Aurora Borealis

Chapter 69 - Stairs in the North

>> • ROBIN • <<

Applauses.

It's what every dreamer dreams of. The constant validation that they will be relevant at the age where they belong..

"Mr. Anderson, are you really planning on offering Ad Victoriam for the auction?" one of the reporters ran their fingers on the shelves where I store my painting tools.

Pinaunlakan ko sila para sa isang maiksing tour sa bahay ko. I'm not supposed to let them in but they're so pesky.

Damn media and their word of the day, "Scoop".

"Yeah. I figured out that I can use my passion as a good way to start fundraisers and donate a portion of it to charity."

It's just a painting. In retrospect, it's not like it is worth something.

It only holds value because people tend to treasure it for their provocative meaning, hysterics and their attraction to aesthetic. Remove all of that and Ad Victoriam will be reduced to a mere canvas slobbed with colors from dye.

"Can you reveal which of the organizations support your advocacy?" itinapat niya sa 'kin ang mic.

"I can send the file regarding the lists of my partners for this project later. For now, why don't we proceed to interview about my upcoming plans?"

I offered them a seat on my rattan furnitures on the balcony.

"So, Mr. Anderson, we've prepared some questions for you." dumekwatro ang interviewer. "At what age mo nadiscover na may passion ka for painting?"

I brimmed with confidence. "It's not really me. It's my parents who realized it. I was nine years old back then."

For a moment, a figment of memory appeared in my head as I glanced on the dividers filled with trophies, medals and academic certificates.

Those pile of bronzes and papers were never enough to please my parents. They always believed I can do better and that I was just thinking that I can't do it because I'm not trying my best.

I never heard a word from them about comparing me to other students. That's because they knew I'm always better and that I can aim higher than those people if I wanted to.

It was a never-ending loop. Once I reached higher heights, I need go more higher. They praised me for a moment and then forget what happened.

This is not enough. What I'm doing will never be enough. I need to try something better, something different, and something new. That or else no one   will bother turning their heads.

I worked hard, but my stupid body gave up on me.

"Gusto kong sumali sa painting contest. Masubukan ko man lang na makasali kahit isang beses."

I heard that voice once, when I was brought to the hospital due to fatigue and lack of sleep. Whenever the hospital room where I was in is silent, I can hear everything from the other side of the wall clearly.

"May ideya ka na kung tungkol saan yung gagawin mo?"

"Mayroon akong pinagpipilian, pero hindi pa ako sigurado kung tungkol saan ang ipipinta ko."

"May premyo ba?"

"Kapag nanalo."

"Lugi kapag natalo. Bakit hindi ka magbenta ng mga gawa mo sa tabing-kalye? May kakilala akong gumagawa rin tapos binebenta niya. Marami namang dumaraan yung bumibili sa kaniya."