Dear My Love

« Sir, you can wait here until your turn »

Tul turned his head towards the sound of the hostess's voice that accompanied him in the same room minutes ago.

« Oh, ok » An unnatural but pleasant deep voice probably from too much smoking, replied to the hostess before the sound of a closing door reached Tul's ears. The characteristic sound of a body falling into the leather sofa pointed he had a new companion waiting with him.

Tul fidgeted nervously on his seat, feeling more than seeing an insisting gaze on his face. Licking his suddenly parched lips, he fixed his sunglasses on his nose, overly conscious of the newcomer's eyes scanning his entire face carefully.

« Hum, hi. Are you here to be interviewed as well ? » the tanned skin man questioned in an attempt to break the awkward silence.

« Oh, err, yes. Sorry for not saying anything. I was too surprised to see my idol in the waiting room » The other man replied in his cavernous voice, « I'm a huge fan of your painting. »

« Really ? » Tul exclaimed, genuinely suprised to be recognized this easily. He was still not used to his growing popularity. After all, he had always thought that with his disability he would not be able to pursue a career as a painter, but here he was, five years after he last held a brush, running from interview to exposition to introduce his works.

« Whenever I feel down or depressed I always look them up and it instantly cheer me up. They have a calming effect. »

« Wow, thank you » Tul chuckled embarassed by the honest compliment, « I guess I have to thank my caregiver for posting my painting on Inst*gr*m. » He scratched his head shyly, still not used to be showered with so much kind words.

« I watched one of your first interview and you did mention your caregiver role in your big break. I should probably thank her too then, since it seems like I owe her the discovery of my favorite painting » A laugh, tainted with green unspeakable feelings, escaped his lips.

« Eh ? Which one ? » Ignoring the goosebumps tickling his skin, he inquired, genuinely curious about the other opinion.

« The one with the two school boys laying side by side in a grassfield, with their eye closed and body not touching but if you look closely enough you can see their pinky fingers slightly brushing their counterpart. Their shyness, faintly blushing cheeks and stiff body clashing with the expression of serenity of both of their face is simply breathtaking. » his companion hushed suddenly, and for a moment Tul wondered what the other was doing. Finally, it was the faint sound of footsteps that broke the silence, before the rich voice continued, lowly, something undefined in his tone « were you perhaps inspired from personal experience ? »

Tul stopped breathing for a moment, surprised by the statement and how the voice sounded closer than before. The words though made him smile as no one, not even art critic mentioned that fact to him. « You are the first one that noticed that detail. How much did you watch that paiting ? » The painter asked voice low, amused.

« I told you I was a fan » The other replied simply.

A small blush appeared on Tul's cheeks, pleased, a nostalgic smile painting his full lips, « well, this painting was drawn after the day Ma- » Unknown to him, a soft smile grazed the pinkish full lips of the newcomer at his slip up, « I mean my lover and I confessed to each other » he stated flatly, hanging his head low, and added in a imperceptible whisper, « then again, I should probably say ex-lover. »

A deafening silence followed his statement, and he almost punched himself for the visibly heavy and uncomfortable atmosphere, Tul silently thanked the other man that took upon himself to break the now awkward silent.