Evelyn sat in her room that evening, staring at the email from Olivia R. The exhibition's details were clearly laid out, a professional yet enthusiastic message confirming that she would be one of the featured artists. She read it twice, then a third time, as if the words might change.
Three to five pieces. A real exhibition.
Her hands trembled slightly as she set her phone down. This was happening. It was real.
A knock on her door startled her. This time, instead of the usual single knock followed by Adrian barging in, it was a softer, more hesitant tap.
"Come in," she called.
The door cracked open, revealing Rose, her roommate.
"Hey, I wasn't sure if you were busy, but I wanted to check-in. You've been quiet since you got back."
Evelyn blinked. She hadn't even realized how lost in thought she'd been.
"Oh. Yeah. Just… processing."
Rose stepped inside, perching on the edge of Evelyn's bed.
"Adrian texted me that you got into a gallery."
Evelyn groaned.
"Of course, he did."
Rose grinned.
"You know how he is. But, Evie, that's amazing!"
Evelyn hesitated, fiddling with the hem of her sweater.
"It is. But it's also terrifying. I've never done anything like this before."
Rose tilted her head.
"And? Just because you haven't done something before doesn't mean you can't do it. Look at how far you've come."
Evelyn bit her lip.
"It's just… what if my work isn't good enough?"
Rose's expression softened.
"Evie, if they didn't think your work was good enough, they wouldn't have asked you. And more importantly—this is what you love, right?"
Evelyn nodded slowly.
"Then that's all that matters."
A small smile tugged at Evelyn's lips.
"You and Adrian should start a motivational podcast."
Rose chuckled.
"We'd be unstoppable."
Sketching the Future
The next day, Evelyn sat in front of a blank canvas, sketchbook open beside her. The weight of expectation pressed down on her. Unlike commissions, this wasn't about fulfilling someone else's vision—this was entirely hers.
Adrian sprawled on her couch, scrolling through his phone.
"So, what's the plan?"
Evelyn sighed.
"I have no idea. I need three to five pieces that fit the theme of 'capturing emotions through color and movement.' But where do I even start?"
Adrian put his phone down.
"Okay. What's the first emotion that comes to mind?"
She hesitated before answering.
"Fear."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting choice."
Evelyn tapped her pencil against the sketchbook.
"It's what I feel right now. Fear of messing up. Fear of not being enough. Fear of putting myself out there."
Adrian nodded thoughtfully.
"Then start with that."
She looked at him, uncertain.
"You think so?"
He shrugged.
"You always tell me art is about expression, right? So, express what you're feeling. No rules, no expectations. Just let it out."
Evelyn stared at the blank canvas. Maybe he was right. Maybe she just needed to start.
Slowly, she picked up her brush and dipped it into deep indigo, letting the color bleed onto the canvas in fluid strokes. It wasn't about making something perfect—it was about making something real.
Breaking the Block
Hours passed, and Evelyn lost herself in the painting. The first piece emerged—a swirling blend of blues and purples, shadows stretching like tendrils across the canvas. It felt raw. Honest.
She sat back, exhaling.
Adrian, who had dozed off on her couch, stirred. He blinked at the painting, then grinned. "Damn."
Evelyn glanced at him.
"Good damn?"
"Great damn."
He stood, stepping closer.
"It's… intense. But in the best way. Like you can feel something moving inside it."
Evelyn bit her lip.
"That's the goal, I guess."
Adrian nudged her shoulder.
"No guessing. You nailed it."
Warmth spread through her chest. One down. Two to four more to go.
Midnight Conversations
That night, Evelyn couldn't sleep. Her mind buzzed with ideas but also doubts. She grabbed her phone without thinking.
Evelyn: Are you still awake?
A response came almost immediately.
Adrian: Have you met me? What's up?
Evelyn: Just… thinking too much. Again.
Adrian: Should I come over?
She hesitated. It was late. But also…
Evelyn: Yeah.
Ten minutes later, Adrian climbed onto her fire escape, tapping lightly at the window. She rolled her eyes but let him in.
He settled onto her bed, stretching out like he owned the place.
"Alright, what's going on in that overactive brain of yours?"
Evelyn sighed, sitting cross-legged beside him.
"I just keep wondering… am I doing this right? What if people don't connect with my art? What if I'm just fooling myself?"
Adrian propped himself up on one elbow.
"Evie. Art isn't about doing it 'right.' It's about doing it. You're already ahead of most people just by putting yourself out there."
She chewed on her lip.
"I just want it to mean something."
Adrian reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was so casual, yet it sent warmth flooding through her.
"It already does," he murmured.
Evelyn looked at him, something unspoken passing between them. Her heartbeat stuttered. She quickly looked away, clearing her throat.
"You're annoyingly good at pep talks."
Adrian smirked.
"It's a gift."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the city's glow casting soft shadows across the room.
Finally, Adrian yawned.
"Alright, you good now? Or do I need to stay and be your dream catcher?"
Evelyn chuckled.
"I think I'm good."
Adrian stood, stretching.
"Cool. But if you start spiraling again, you know where to find me."
She smiled softly.
"Thanks, Luka."
He ruffled her hair, then climbed back out onto the fire escape, disappearing into the night.
Evelyn exhaled, laying back on her bed. She still had work to do. But for the first time, she wasn't afraid of the blank canvas in front of her.
She was ready to fill it with color.