Venus & Mars - ZARRY [ENG VERSION]

JOANE'S WINGS

| CHAPTER XXXVIII |

We were in Rome, immersed in the enchanting Christmas atmosphere of the city. The shops were already showing their decorations and this cold winter in Europe made everything more interesting. It had been an incredible day, from the time I woke up to the moment Harry and I prepared the museum for the arrival of visitors. On the day of the students' exhibition, I would also be presenting my own artwork for the first time.

My sculpture was completed after a few weeks of hard work. It was stunning. But even though I received compliments from many students and teachers, I still had a strong sense of insecurity about presenting it to a different audience. Several art critics were there, which made it even more scary.

"You look nervous." Harry said as he approached me.

"I'm nervous, yes." I assumed that feeling, because it was so hard to disguise.

"I felt the same way. After that I wished to have my work everywhere. It's good to be recognized and to know that somehow your art touched someone's heart. Don't be afraid, you did a great job. I have been informed that this is one of the most beautiful works in the exhibition."

"Really?" I lifted my eyebrows because I was surprised by the information.

"Yes" he smiled. "You finally learned how to make feathers," he laughed, while watching my sculpture a few meters away.

I laughed too because I was in agreement with that statement. Ever since we entered that museum in the morning and opened it for visitors, I could barely look at the people who were approaching my sculpture, but now I could look. A light of confidence was growing in me, I was working on my insecurity, even if it was very difficult to get rid of it.

"They're looking for you," Harry said as he looked at the group of people analyzing the sculpture. "Go up there and introduce yourself as the creator, thank them for the visit, answer their questions and make your technical comments about it. It's going to attract their attention and maybe even persuade them to buy it."

"I don't think anyone would be interested in buying it"

"I'm sure someone might want to buy it." was the last thing Harry said before he left.

I had to take a deep breath before approaching that group of young adults when Harry left. If I had to do this a few years ago, I wouldn't have been able to do it. Now, I was no longer afraid to communicate, I was a different person. This anxiety was no longer in the way, I felt safe to introduce myself and start a conversation.

I have more friends now than ever before. I had a very healthy relationship with my coworkers and students. Occasionally, we would go out for drinks and have a conversation. Harry was present at all of these meetings, and people were suspicious about our relationship, but they never said anything.