Strokes of Fate

Chapter 1.4

The kitchen was alive with morning activity as Zara entered. Vivian stood at the stove, expertly flipping pancakes while simultaneously checking emails on her phone. Adrian sat at the table, his reading glasses perched on his nose as he pored over a stack of student papers. Kai, now clearly visible in the morning light, was hunched over a steaming mug of coffee, his athletic frame filling out his t-shirt as he scrolled through something on his tablet.

Zara paused in the doorway, struck by how foreign this familiar scene felt. It was as if she were looking at a painting of a family rather than her own.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Adrian said, looking up from his papers with a warm smile. "Sleep well?"

"Morning," Zara mumbled, making her way to the coffee pot. As she poured herself a cup, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her short auburn hair stuck up at odd angles. She looked as disoriented as she felt.

"You look like you barely slept," Vivian observed, sliding a plate of pancakes onto the table. Her tone was neutral, but Zara could sense the underlying concern – or was it disapproval?

"I was... working on something," Zara said vaguely, taking a seat next to Kai. He smelled of fresh shower and some light cologne.

Kai looked up from his tablet, his frameless glasses glinting in the morning light. "A new piece?" he asked, genuine interest in his voice.

Zara nodded, taking a sip of her coffee to avoid elaborating. How could she explain what had happened last night? The strange drafting set, the cityscape that seemed to live and breathe on the page – it all felt too bizarre, too personal to share.

"Well, that's wonderful," Adrian said encouragingly. "It's good to see you creating again."

Vivian set a plate in front of Zara, her expression softening slightly. "Yes, it is. Though don't forget about looking for that internship. The sooner you have some structure to your days, the better. I've always enjoyed your art and that you're getting something started so quick is admirable."

Zara felt a flash of irritation at Vivian's words, but she swallowed it down with a bite of pancake. If it was so admirable why was her room wiped clean of it? "Actually, I was thinking of heading to the Wescott Gallery today. To inquire about the internship," she added quickly, seeing Vivian's eyebrows rise.

"Oh, excellent," Kai said, perking up. "I can come with you if you'd like. I need to speak with Olivia about the digital catalog system I'm developing for them anyway."

Zara hesitated. Part of her wanted to do this alone, to prove she could stand on her own two feet. But another part, a part she was reluctant to admit to, was grateful for Kai's offer. "Sure," she said finally. "That'd be great." Plus they had some catching up to do.

As the family finished breakfast, Zara's mind kept drifting back to the drawing upstairs. She was eager to return to it, to explore further the strange world she had created. But she knew Vivian was right – she needed to start rebuilding her life, and the internship was a necessary first step.

After helping to clear the table, Zara headed back upstairs to get ready. As she passed the attic door, she paused, her hand reaching out to touch the worn wood. The key to the chest was still in her pocket, a tangible link to the mystery that awaited her. With a small shake of her head, she continued to her room. The attic and its secrets would have to wait.

Zara dressed carefully, selecting a pair of fitted black jeans and a flowing emerald blouse that brought out the green in her eyes. She applied a light touch of makeup, trying to conceal the evidence of her sleepless night.

As she was about to leave, her gaze fell on the covered drawing on her desk. After a moment's hesitation, she carefully rolled it up and slipped it into her portfolio case. Something told her she might need it.

Downstairs, Kai was waiting by the front door, keys in hand. He had changed into a smart casual outfit – dark jeans and a crisp button-down shirt that accentuated his athletic build. His frameless glasses gave him an air of maturity that Zara found slightly attractive.

"Ready?" he asked, flashing her a encouraging smile.

Zara nodded, adjusting the strap of her portfolio case on her shoulder. As they stepped out into the morning sun, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into something much more than a simple job interview.

The Wescott Gallery was located in the heart of the city's arts district, a vibrant area filled with boutiques, cafes, and street art. As Kai navigated the busy streets, Zara found herself studying the urban landscape with new eyes. Every building, every intersection seemed to pulse with hidden meaning, as if the city itself was trying to communicate with her.

They pulled up in front of an imposing red-brick building, its large arched windows reflecting the bustling street. A sleek, modern sign proclaimed it as the Wescott Gallery.

"Here we are," Kai said, putting the car in park. He turned to Zara, his expression softening with concern. "You okay? You seem a bit... distracted."

Zara forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just nervous, I guess."

As they made their way to the entrance, Zara's steps faltered. Standing by the glass doors was a man she didn't recognize, but who made her heart skip a beat. He was tall and distinguished-looking, with silver-streaked dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He was engaged in conversation with a red-haired woman who exuded an aura of artistic eccentricity.

"That's Olivia Wescott," Kai whispered, nodding towards the woman. "And the man with her... I think that's Dr. Elias Vance. He's a visiting expert, supposed to be brilliant in both art history and applied mathematics."

As if sensing their approach, Dr. Vance looked up, his gaze locking with Zara's. A jolt of electricity seemed to pass between them, and Zara felt her cheeks flush.

"Ah, Kai!"Olivia called out, waving them over. "And this must be your sister. We'vebeen expecting you."

Zara (Pictured) 22, years old.