The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 2 (Part 2)

     As the days drift on, life maintains its predictable pattern, leaving Denis adrift in a sea of unfulfilled potential. With no tangible accomplishments to his name, the landscape of his existence remains barren, devoid of any markers of progress or change. Outside, a gust dances through the sturdy facade of Denis' abode, heralding the arrival of a shifting atmosphere. The once serene sky is obscured by gathering clouds, a thick blanket of white that shrouds the familiar blue expanse. Amidst this quietude, the sudden intrusion of a thunderous motorcycle disrupts the tranquillity, its engine's roar echoing like the crash of lightning, stirring the stillness that envelops Denis.

     Within the confines of his home office, Denis seeks rest in his art, his emotions finding voice through the strokes of his paintbrush on a vast canvas. In a departure from digital creations, he delves into the realm of traditional painting, channelling his loneliness into an abstract masterpiece awash with sombre shades of grey. With unwavering focus, Denis fixes his gaze upon the canvas as each stroke travels with purpose, creating a sinuous trail of expression. As he completes his work, a sense of accomplishment blooms within him—a tangible achievement amidst the backdrop of stagnation.

     As Denis delicately places the paintbrush down, a sense of completion flows over his core, prompting him to reach for his phone. With a swift motion, he powers it on and captures a snapshot of his latest creation. A flash of light freezes the moment in time, immortalizing his artwork in a digital frame that oozes a unique beauty, even if some may perceive it as lacking in vibrancy. With a few deft taps on the screen, Denis shares his masterpiece on Instagram, sending it out into the digital realm. Abruptly, a knock resonates through the office, the sound fading into silence before the door opens with a soft creak, revealing a familiar figure on the other side—Robert, Denis' father.

"Hey, time for lunch," Robert announced, breaking the tranquil ambience of the room.

"Right," Denis responded with a sigh, engrossed in his phone as he continued to navigate through his digital world.

Robert's gaze flickered past Denis, alighting on the sombre abstract painting that adorned the wall—a creation that had managed to captivate someone's attention, at least. "Sick painting," Robert commended Denis' work, his curiosity piqued. "What's the story behind it?" he inquired.

With a hesitant exhale, Denis paused his interaction with the phone, slowly pivoting to face his artistic manifestation. "It's... you know..." he faltered, grappling for words. "I just... crave companionship," he confessed, his voice measured and deliberate. "Desperately... I mean, really desperately," Denis disclosed, the floodgates of his emotions opening. "This painting... it's a reflection of the isolation that has surrounded me... a loneliness that has become within me," he hurriedly explained.

"...Oh," Robert murmured, his expression morphing into one of stunned silence, his attention fixed unwaveringly on the poignant artwork before him.

Denis and Robert descended to join Michaela for lunch. The clinking of cutlery and soft chatter enveloped the room as they settled in. Midway through the meal, Robert nudged Michaela gently. What could that be for?

"You know...?" Robert began, trying to disclose the topic. "Our talented son, Denis, has crafted another one of his masterpieces."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Michaela beamed, her maternal pride evident in her glowing expression.

"Indeed," Robert affirmed with a nod, directing his attention back to Denis. "So, Denis, would you care to enlighten your mother about the inspiration behind your latest painting?" he inquired.

"Oh, it's just an abstract piece," Denis casually remarked.

"And?" Robert raised his brows.

Denis paused, setting down his utensils and meeting his parents' gazes. "It's about... well, me wanting companionship, for friendship," he began. "I want a connection so deeply. God, why am I ensnared in this web of solitude? I'm tired of it. So tired of it! Like any artist, I just go expressing my emotions through my art," he elaborated.

Michaela's brow furrowed slightly as she exchanged a glance with Robert. Turning back to Denis, she tenderly advised, "Denis, it's best not to draw anything that reminds you of your loneliness, let alone do anything that reminds you of it. It will only make your feelings worse!"

     Following a heartfelt piece of advice from his mother, Denis interprets it as a directive to halt his artistic pursuits altogether. Later, as he retreats to his room and settles onto the bed, Denis reaches for his phone, navigating to Instagram to peruse his recent posts. Disappointment settles in as he observes only a meagre 1 or 2 likes on his creations. Despite this, the sight of four comments piques his interest, sparking a flicker of hope within him.

     However, his anticipation quickly fades as he realizes that the comments are merely automated solicitations for NFTs, a realization that stirs frustration within Denis. A soft, exasperated groan escapes his lips, his brows furrowing in annoyance at the pervasive intrusion. The incessant presence of these bots irks him to the core, prompting a surge of weariness. The desire to dig up some graves for these digital nuisances grows within him.

    Denis navigates to his YouTube channel, where his animated video featuring him and Drew catches his eye, boasting a mere 31 views. A glance at his previous uploads reveals a similar pattern—less than 20 views each. Disappointment and dismay strike him, casting a shadow over his creative endeavours, and leaving him to ponder the futility of his efforts.

     Like a radiant gem catching the light, Denis' eyes shimmer with unshed tears as he gazes at his phone. Emotions swirl within him, his lips pressed into a tight line as he struggles to contain his overwhelming feelings. The weight of it all becomes unbearable. The world seems to offer nothing but disillusionment and defeat.

     Releasing a long, heavy breath through his nose, Denis powers off his phone and places it on the nightstand beside his bed. Shifting his body to the side, he reaches for a pillow nestled in the corner of the mattress, enfolding it in a tight embrace. With determination, he squeezes his eyes shut, willing himself to find solace in the embrace of sleep amidst the turmoil of disappointment and desolation.

     As Michaela steps into Denis' office, her gaze falls upon his latest painting, evoking a mélange of emotions within her. Her brow furrows while her eyes shimmer like distant stars, a mix of pride and concern welling up within her. She takes pride in her son's artistic talent yet can't shake off the worry that tugs at her heartstrings, knowing that his creations often veer towards darker themes.

     Approaching Denis' desk, Michaela gently flips open his sketchbook, examining the pages filled with his intricate drawings. Among them, she lingers on a raw depiction of solitude juxtaposed with a tender image of two friends embracing. At that moment, she comprehends the silent narrative woven through Denis' art—that of his longing for companionship and a deep-seated desire for friendship. Closing the sketchbook, a solemn air envelops Michaela as she shuts her eyes in a moment of quiet reflection. In her silent prayer, she fervently hopes that Denis will soon find the connection he so earnestly seeks.