Forbidden

Ch-56

A YEAR LATER, (SEP 2023)

KIERA

I had a interview today. Good thing was it was at my studio. I named my studio "Kalligraphy" instead of Calligraphy cause it's Kiera who teaches it. Cringey yes, meaningful totally. It was as I imagined. Teaching kids was the best! They were looking up to me for helping them. No one ever looked up to me. This was why I chose calligraphy as a profession. I had done twelve movie titles and also the series became huge hit making me famous in the calligraphy world. 

Interviewer: You worked on the titles of many different series and movies. Was there any project that was particularly memorable to you?

Kiera: It wasn't a movie or a series, but I did a calligraphy photobook with Scott Publishers. That book is pretty memorable to me.

Interviewer: Is there a special reason to that?

Kiera: Before that project, I wasn't sure if calligraphy was my job or just an avocation. But working on that book assured me that it was my job. The CEO of Scott Publishers was the first person to call me a calligrapher. It was my first time. And firsts are always special...

(in the evening)

I had was teaching a group of 15 year olds at the evening session. Today's topic was Love. All of their hormones was on the peak. 

Student: Mam how would you describe first love?

Kiera: Me? Let me think. First love is like muddy water. I forget about it most of the time, so I think it's gone. But once I step on it... it rises again. I guess it's something like that.

The kids nodded though I am ninety nine percent sure no one got it. After the class was over, I was cleaning everything up. I got a call from Ian.

Kiera: Hey.

Ian: What were you doing?

Kiera: I just finished my class, so I was going to work on my own. 

Ian: Can I stop by for a moment? I have to give you something.

Kiera: Okay.

I took up the notebooks where the kids practiced. I heard a door open. I thought it was Ian but when I turned back I was staring at a exhausted almost dead looking Caleb.

Caleb: Hello. Kiera.

Oh I wasn't dreaming. I could never dream him like this. He looked worn out. He had a weird stubble which didn't look like it was meant to be there and more like someone forgot to shave.

Caleb: I'm back.

CALEB

I had been waiting for this moment, for the last fourteen months. It gave me the motivation to complete two years work in much less time. Just to see her. Just to hug her. So many sleepless nights. But she didn't look as delighted as I was. She wasn't surprised even. Kiera made me a cup of coffee and sat with hers.

Caleb: Have you been well?

KIERA

I cried every night. I forgot how to even fold an umbrella and he was asking me have I been well?

Kiera: I have been well. What about you?

Caleb: You have been well. That's... good.

Kiera: Time is a remedy.

Caleb: I have been busy, too. I didn't sleep or eat. I only took photos, so I could come back to you.

Kiera: I told you.. it's in the past now. It's too late.