I stood before the easel, my eyes fixed on the pristine white canvas. It was like a mirror reflecting my own emptiness. I had always found solace in art, but now? I signed, my brushes fell like strangers in my hands. The colours seem dull and the strokes uncertain. My mind a jungle of doubts and fears.

...****************...

        As I gazed at the blank canvas, I felt the weight of my creative blockage. It was as if the colours has drained from my life, leaving behind a dull grayness. I longed to rediscover the passion that once drove me to create, to lose myself in the strokes and swirls of paint. But for now the canvas remained blank, a constant reminder of my artistic paralysis. Am I waiting for courage to take the first step? Inspiration to strike? The answers seem as exclusive as the colours throat had once flowed so freely from my soul.

...****************...

 My eyes narrowed, I reached for a brush and my hands trembling slightly as I dipped it in paint. Just in time before an artistic disaster my phone rang, It was my mum. I tiredly picked the call "Hey Mum", "My princess, how are you faring?" "Mum, I'm alive I guess, this is a difficult period you know." "Everything is going to be fine darling, just take your time to heal." I closed my eyes tightly and gathered courage to ask a rhetorical question "Was I not enough for him?" "Come on darling, you were more than enough for him. His decision to leave or end the relationship was not a reflection of your worth or the love you shared. People grow apart, and sometimes their paths diverge. It doesn't mean you weren't enough; it means you both needed different things. Your love and presence in his life were valuable and appreciated, even if the relationship didn't work out as you hoped. Remember your strength, resilience, and the beauty you brought to the relationship. You deserve love and happiness, and there's someone out there who will cherish and appreciate you fully." "Thank you mum, you've always been supportive, and I really love you" "You are welcome my love, take care of yourself" "Bye mum" "Bye princess" she replied and hung up. I left my studio and went to my room and laid on my bed his words replayed in my mind "This has to end, I am not interested again, we can't work again," "Is there someone else?" I asked the bothering question that's been on my mind for over three months. Not only that, but I noticed the changes in Adam but I gave excuses for him. "She's not the reason..." He couldn't complete the sentence because I broke down. Tears streaming down my face like a torrent, my body shaking with convulsive sobs that seemed to come from the very depth of my soul.

...****************...

...*Two months later*...

..."You don't have to go" Mum said holding my hands. "I want to move far away from the hurt mum, I want to heal." "Sounds like you are running away not trying to heal" Mum replied sounding really worried now. "Mum, don't make this difficult for me" I said tears welled up in my eyes already. "Okay, okay, make sure you take care of yourself, my regards to your aunt and cousins" She replied hugging me. "Sure, and make sure you take care of yourself too. Don't stress yourself, is that taken?" "Crystal clear my princess." We embraced again before I boarded the plane....

I'm torn between the nostalgia of memories made and the anticipation of those yet to come. The thought of starting anew, without my mum is daunting. This is the first time I'll be away from Australia. I know this step is a crucial one for my growth and the experiences awaiting me will shape me into a stronger and more resilient person.

NEW YORK CITY here I come

...

...

Is this a dream? Landing in a new country is like opening a door to a fresh chapter. The unfamiliar landscape and vibrant culture awaits me, full of secrets and surprises. I left the airplane and went straight to the arrival terminal to get my bags, getting there I saw my aunt and cousins waiting. "Sophia darling" Aunty called and waved her hand, they all came to me "Been years aunty" I said and we embraced. "I really hope this works out well" I said and she held my hands "It's pretty normal to feel like this after breaking up, after my first break up I stayed away from love, but this same love healed me. See your uncle and I. This is just a phase it's temporary" Aunt encouraged. "Thank you aunt." I appreciated her words of advice and she smiled in return. "Let's get going" Aunt replied grabbing one of my bags. "Chris, Dave, how are you two doing?" I asked them playing with their hair like old times. "We're not children anymore" Chris as usual complained. "Your still children to me" "Mummy, Sophia is at it again" Chris reported making me laugh. "Big boys deal with little things like this themselves which proves you two are still children." "No! That's Chris not me" Dave protested. I laughed real good "Alright boys, grab your sister's bag and let's head home." Aunt said. "How is Chloe?" I asked aunt. "She's fine dear, she's at home right now, preparing your room" "What about Uncle?" "Your uncle travelled, he'll be back tomorrow"

My aunt has 3 children, Chris, Dave and Chloe. Chris and Dave are twins, 10 years, and super adorable. Chloe is my age mate, she's 24, she's an aspiring model. Before they left Australia, Chloe and I were best friends, we are still cool though. After my break up I called her, and she convinced me to leave Australia for a change. I hope I don't regret this.

****************

"Get down boys, we're home" Aunt called the boys who have been busy playing games since the 2 hours ride began. I alighted and with deep exhale I mentally calmed myself, and told myself It's going to be fine "Is that who I think it is?" Chloe ran out and screamed deafening my ears. "Welcome Sophia, I'm so proud of you, you won't regret your stay here trust me" Chloe said still vividly excited. "I'll take you to your room" She grabbed some of my bag and started walking in, a spacious living room beckoned me, I was wowed by the design, this place is warm, cozy and inviting. On the walls, artworks are adorned with tasteful artworks, which seem to whisper stories. Some of these art works are mine. Uncle and Chloe are one of my biggest fans, they have something for art. Uncle would come do Australia just to buy artworks from me. They have always encouraged me. And I'm glad I came here. I followed Chloe through the stairs, and it led us to another part of the world. She turned to her right and opened the door with just a push "This is your room, I personally decorated it for you." "Really? Thank you very much Chloe." We hugged. "We've got a lot to catch up on, you just settle before we get talking. If you need anything I'm just a call away." She turned back to leave but stopped and turned back "I mean it I'm just a call away, my room is just opposite yours." "Thank you, Chloe" "You are welcome, and I love you." "Am I to say that back" she rolled her eyes and I laughed you can never find me expressing my love through words. Action speaks louder than words that's what I believe. She left my room leaving only me. The room is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and refinement. But will I be safe here? Of course, I'm away from Australia but am I away from my already destroyed self? This remains bothering, these are questions only me can answer.

I took my phone from the small bag I kept it in, I called my mum's number, she picked up shortly after the first ring. "My Princess, are you there already?" She asked "Yes mummy, we just got in." "That's nice, how are is everyone doing?" "Fine, but Uncle is not around." I said, and she said an oh. Uncle is mum's younger brother. "Settle down dear, I'll call you in a while." "Bye mum," I replied and set my phone aside after the call. I went to the bathroom and I bet I could live in here. The tub was inviting me in and I took the invitation, I got in and felt my body relaxing as I dipped myself in the warm bath. 'Enjoy' I told myself.

It took me forever before I left the bathroom. And without putting on anything comfortable I fell asleep.

****************

*The following day*

As I slowly opened my eyes, the soft glow of morning light crept in. The world hazy, a blurry canvas slowly coming into focus. My body felt heavy, as if anchored to the bed, while my mind struggled to shake off the remnants of sleep. I stretched and my muscles protested. I inhaled a scent of fresh morning. Suddenly it hit my senses, I inhaled again, "Is that pancake I smell?" I asked no one in particular. I jumped off my bed and walked as my nose led me down the stairs, the unwavering smell of pancakes stronger than before. I found myself in the kitchen, and was met by a surprise. Aunt and Uncle are making pancakes together. Emotional! "It's so sweet seeing you too cooking together." I compliment and they both smiled as they turned to see me at the entrance of the kitchen. "Sophia Dearest, I'm glad you're here" Uncle said, he spread his hands wide for me, as I walked into my uncles open arms, I felt an enveloped in warmth. His large frame and broad shoulders wrapped around me, making me feel safe and small. His gentle squeeze and soft whispers in my ears "I've got you kiddo" made me feel like nothing could ever hurt me. My uncle's warmth and strength seeped into my being chasing away my fears and worries. I felt like a child again, protected and loved. "Thank you uncle" I said. "Go have your bath, and come down for breakfast, your uncle made you your favorite" Aunt said. I pecked uncle's cheek before running back to my room. I had my bath, got into something simple and decent before heading to the dinning, which is just next to the kitchen. Every other person is there already, seems like they were waiting for me. I took five Pancakes into my plate, I poured some maple syrup, kept butter and fresh sliced strawberry, a classic combo. I took the first bite and took the first ride back to heaven and back. "This is delicious, thank you aunty, thank you uncle"

We ate and talked about different things, Uncle told me to get myself acquainted with New York City, he said he got us tickets to a newly opened gallery downtown. And Ray Owen's artwork will be displayed. The name sounds familiar but I'm not certain where I saw it. "Who's Ray Owen?" I asked interrupting uncle. "Ray Owen is one of the biggest and most talented artist in New York, we have a few of his works in the house. Check them out when you are done." Uncle replied.

"Okay" I said and my eyes wandered back to the paintings I saw on the wall when I came yesterday. They speak!

After eating, Chloe and I packed the plates and did the dishes. "Should we go out?" Chloe asked, we are in my room now, unpacking my travelling bags.

 "Where should we go to?" I asked hoping she doesn't say club

 "I think to the park, we should rent a bike and ride, eat ice cream, and just play around. It sometimes hurts when I think about the fact that I'm an adult now, I always want to feel like a child again."

 "You're becoming smarter, I think I'm rubbing off on you." I said and she laughed so hard. "I want a clear mind anyway so let's get going" I added. She left my room and went to change into something more appropriate for the park. I searched through my fully parked wardrobe, took a white armless, and multicolored short and wore it. Before I could say Jack, Chloe was back.

"How did you change so fast? I'm not even done yet" I said, she's wearing a beautiful pink short gown and white snickers, her hair tied in a ponytail, and she's wearing a hat.

"I'm always ready" She said with every part of those words screaming pride. I wore my sunglasses, and my white canvas, kept my phone in my brown backpack then carried it. We didn't leave Of course without telling uncle. "Stay safe girls" was what he told us before we left. We took the bus to the park, which apparently is just 20 minutes away with the bus, so I guess it would have been 30 to 40 minutes on foot. We got to where we were meant to rent the bike and the guy there kept flirting with us. Guess what next, instead of leaving, Chloe suggested we play along and take the bikes on a ride for free. She said she's been lucky with this just a few times and doesn't want us to misuse the opportunity. Just to have fun I followed her crazy idea, which could get us in trouble.

"I'm finally rubbing off on you" She said, using my words against me.

I rolled my eyes and replied "You wish. By the way, this is not a bad idea. I'm enjoying the ride"

"Next up the Ice cream stand" We bought ice cream and ate it, the breeze kept blowing my hair to my face. "How are you doing Soph?"

I signed and my once bright face turned sour "He was my first love, and we were in a relationship for 3 years, we were friends for 2 years and all that ended, I obviously feel terrible. I feel empty, for the past few months I've not been able to create art. Not only that, but I've not been able to hold a paint brush, it's safe to say I'm broken"

"I understand your pain, I just want you to know that in here for you. Everyone is, your mum, mine, dad, Chris and Dave."

"Thank you" I smiled genuinely, and we hugged.

"Did I tell you that the art show is this evening"

"Is that the one uncle got us tickets for?" I asked and she nodded. "That's interesting" we finished up in the park and went back to the house.

...****************...

"Get in the car boys" Aunt said from the car, I went back in and took the last slice of strawberry cake aunt bought for us.

"You really like strawberry is it?" Uncle said waiting at the door

"Who wouldn't?"

"You finished the cake?" Dave asked and I turned to see him fuming

"oh, oh," I said holding my hands up in surrender. "I couldn't resist"

"Chris!!!" He yelled and Chris came running. "She finished the cake, hey her."

"This is fun." Uncle said and laughed

"A little help here uncle." I replied and ran out of the house, and the two like horses chased me.

"Can you stop playing around, we're going to be late." Aunt scolded. The three of us stopped and looked at Aunt who already got out of the car. I could see the fire on her head

"Mum... Sophia ate all the cake." Dave said in defense.

"Where's your dad? What's he doing? Where's Chloe?" She asked instead.

"He's in... And I don't know what he's doing, Chloe is still dressing up."

"That's it, get in the car the three of you while I go get them." Aunt said and the three of us rushed into the car, before aunt unleashes her mummy power. Don't look at me that way, mummy power is a thing. And I'm definitely not defining it. In the twinkling of an eye, Aunt, Uncle and Chloe were out, I laughed my ads out, Aunt is pulling both of them by their ears. "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" Both of them cried in unison.

"Both of you should get in before I loose it" She yelled, and they both ran to the car before her.

"What took you so long?" I asked Chloe who didn't even change her dress.

"A girl's going to do, what a girl's going to do."

"You're impossible." I shook my head. Uncle ignited the engine ad started driving immediately Aunt entered. I was filled with excitement with the thought of seeing amazing works. It took us an hour and thirty minutes before we got there. 'Finest Art' is the name boldly written with a logo of an hand holding a paint brush. We got down and went to the entrance. As I pushed open the glass door, a warm glow enveloped me, beckoning me into the sleek, modern space. The minimalist exterior had hinted at the creative treasure within and now the elegant reception desk and polished concrete floor seemed to whisper promises of artistic delights to come.

"Welcome to 'The Finest art'." The receptionist greeted us with a bright smile and friendly demeanor, her voice soothing with a gentle tone. She's wearing a crisp white shirt and a tailored black skirt, complete with a statement piece of jewelry. She has long, curly brown hair, and a radiant complexion.

"Thank you." Uncle replied

"Can I have your tickets please?" She asked wearing a smile. Uncle handed the tickets to her, she looked at it and said "Come with me, the VIP section is right this way." We followed her, and she led us through the huge hall, on the left I was captivating artworks on the right are truly the finest art. We entered into another big room, and it felt like we entered into another realm. "Enjoy!" She said bowed and left. I saw people snapping pictures with the works. Alas! I saw the most captivating and alluring artwork ever, I felt loads of emotions. I left everyone, and it felt like it was dragging me to itself. Time stood still as I lost myself in the artwork's warm embrace, my sense heightened, and my heart opened. As I touched it, it was as if I had entered the artist's inner world where emotions flowed like a river and creativity knew no bounds.

"With the way you're touching that, I can tell you have something for Art." I heard the most beautiful voice ever, his voice is a gift from God, a treasure trove of sound and sense, and those words he spoke was a precious jewel that I had hoarded in my heart.

"Uhm.... I do. I am an artist...." I paused and the tone of my voice suddenly fell "Well was." I corrected myself. I looked at the left to see the man I'm talking to, my jaw dropped. He is a vision of masculine perfection, with chiseled features that seem carved by God himself. His piercing blue eyes sparkled like diamonds in the light. His dark hair stylishly messy with a subtle wave that added texture and depth to his overall look. His strong jawline and prominent cheek bones gave him a ruggedly handsome appearance, while his full lips curved into a charming smile that could disarm even the most skeptical of hearts. He's the kind to turn heads, and he wore his looks with every iota of humility and grace which adds to his appeal. Something is really different about him.

"Once an artist, always an artist. I'm sure you're just going through a phase, you'll get back in line" I got lost in his promising eyes, he's saying the words I always wanted to hear, 'you'll get back in line'. I looked at the artwork again and imagined the person who did this incredible piece, I was the name at the bottom, Ray Owen. Furthermore, I would love to meet him. "How do you feel touching this particular one?" He asked and I smiled

"Alive! Passion, Love, warmth, excitement, mystery, serenity, vulnerability and playfulness." I imagined

"Beautiful! You said you were once an Artist, what happened?"

"It's kinda personal." I said, but I felt safe sharing this with him, I opened my mouth and the words came out willingly "We were friends for two years, we fell in love, and we were in a relationship for three years. It's been three months we broke up, even before we broke up I feared we would, I saw the signs. And he told me he's into someone else. In those moments I felt broken, I drifted from everything that gave me joy, I was broken, and dead. It feels foreign holding a paint brush." I replied and he looked really interested in what I have to say. He kept his right hand in his pocket, and brought a card out.

"This time tomorrow, here's my complimentary card. I want to hear your story. Let's put an end to this chapter of your life, and begin another." With that he turned and left. I checked the time, it's 6pm already. I looked at the card and jumped in excitement, God just answered my prayer, His name is Ray Owen, he owns this artwork.

"You're very lucky you just spoke to New York's hottest and richest bachelor." Chloe said and hugged me out of excitement. "I saw him giving you something, what's that?" I was still in shock and I didn't answer her, "Omgggg, she screamed drawing attention to us, this is his fucking card. Ray Owen is mysterious you know, no one knows anything about him, he's so low key. I'm glad you got to meet. I'm happy for you, I have to tell mum and dad everything" she said and left hurriedly