In Between

Embracing The Flaws

The people you end up cherishing are often those you meet while growing up. For many, the person they marry is someone they encountered during their formative years. Abba, now at a point where his art and life were unfolding in real time, learned an invaluable lesson: people are flawed. In a world rife with evil, there is also abundant good. Even the most vile person has someone they would give their life for. Abba realized that harboring hate and cutting people out of his life for a single mistake would only lead to losing the good ones. This lesson helped him let go of the anger he had carried for so long.

It wasn't that he suddenly trusted people or let his walls down. Rather, he became more sympathetic, especially toward those he felt had wronged him. He allowed himself to act according to his own feelings—he forgave because he wanted to, loved because he wanted to. He felt everything he wanted to feel without expecting reciprocation or needing validation. During a time of inner conflict about whether to continue drawing inspiration from his inner darkness, he met someone from his past: Zaza.

Zaza was quiet and had always been in spaces where only Abba could interact with her, away from his friends and the people who complicated his decisions. She wasn't particularly fun or outstanding like Atesi or Nola; she was simply there, in a safe place that made Abba comfortable. Every decision he made in this relationship came from him, uninfluenced by others. Zaza brought stability and created an environment that helped him develop his next collection.

However, Zaza wanted more than she felt comfortable asking for. This frustration was overwhelming for Abba, who already struggled with trust. He often found himself saying the wrong things, unable to see what she hoped he would. You could argue that Zaza was the most normal relationship Abba had ever been in, but his life was never just basic. After paying tribute to his father with his previous work, he sought to establish his identity. This quest attracted someone else, someone with multiple personalities, someone he might choose to omit from his life if given the chance.

Zaza and Abba's story, however, was one that only hit pause. It had much more to tell.

Forgiveness was a new territory for Abba. He had spent years wrapped in a cocoon of resentment and bitterness, and unraveling those feelings was both painful and liberating. He began to see people as more than just their actions against him. He saw their struggles, their flaws, and their moments of kindness. This shift in perspective didn't make him naive; it made him empathetic.

Abba's art began to reflect this change. The darkness that once dominated his work started to share space with light and color, representing his evolving understanding of the world. His new collection was a tapestry of emotions, blending sorrow with hope, anger with forgiveness.

Zaza's influence on Abba was subtle but profound. She didn't demand attention or impose herself on his life. Instead, she provided a sanctuary where he could explore his emotions without fear of judgment. Her quiet presence was a balm for his troubled mind. She laughed and moved through his life with a grace that brought stability.

Despite her understated demeanor, Zaza longed for more from Abba. She wanted a deeper connection but was hesitant to ask for it. This unspoken desire created a tension that neither of them knew how to resolve. Abba, distrustful and often oblivious to her needs, struggled to navigate this new dynamic. Yet, their relationship remained a source of comfort, a constant amidst the chaos.

As Abba prepared to unveil his new collection, the weight of expectations loomed over him. Skeptics questioned his ability to replicate his previous success. The pressure to outdo himself was immense. Art, which had always come naturally to him, now felt like a challenge. The dreaded creative block was a real threat.

In this time of uncertainty, a new figure entered Abba's life. This person was unlike anyone he had encountered before—complex, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous. They brought a whirlwind of emotions and experiences that threatened to disrupt the fragile balance Zaza had helped him achieve.

Abba's journey was far from over. He had learned to embrace the flaws in others and himself, to forgive without losing his sense of self. His art continued to evolve, reflecting the complexities of his life and the people who shaped it. Each piece he created was a step closer to understanding his place in the world.

Zaza remained a significant part of his story, a chapter that paused but never truly ended. Their relationship, with all its imperfections, was a testament to the power of connection and the beauty of flawed humanity. As Abba navigated the challenges ahead, he did so with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face whatever came his way.

In the end, it was the imperfections that made his journey unique. The people he met, the lessons he learned, and the art he created were all part of a larger tapestry. Abba's story was one of growth, resilience, and the enduring power of creativity.