Strokes of Fate

Chapter 1.6

"Extraordinary," Dr. Vance murmured, leaning in for a closer look. His finger hovered just above the paper, tracing the lines of the clocktower at the center. "The detail is remarkable. And these patterns... they're almost mathematical in their precision. This is photorealism—beyond that, I would even dare to say."

Olivia nodded enthusiastically. "It's as if the city is alive! Zara, this is exceptional work. The energy, the movement – it's unlike anything I've seen before."

Even Kai looked stunned. "Zara, when did you learn to draw like this? It's... incredible."

Zara felt a mixture of pride and unease wash over her. While part of her basked in their praise, another part felt exposed, as if she'd revealed too much of herself. "Thank you," she said softly. "It just... came to me last night."

Dr. Vance's eyes snapped up to meet hers, a spark of something – recognition? excitement? – flashing in their depths. "Inspiration can strike in the most unexpected ways," he said, his voice low and intense. "I'd be very interested in discussing your process, Zara. Perhaps over coffee sometime?"

Before Zara could respond, Olivia clapped her hands together. "Well, I think this settles it! Zara, the internship is yours if you want it. And I'd love to discuss the possibility of featuring this piece in our upcoming 'Urban Visions' exhibition."

Zara's head spun with the sudden turn of events. An internship, a potential exhibition, and the undivided attention of the enigmatic Dr. Vance – it was more than she could have hoped for when she woke up this morning.

As they wrapped up the meeting, making plans for Zara to start the following week, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd set something momentous in motion. The drawing, safely rolled back in her portfolio, seemed to pulse with an energy of its own.

Walking out of the gallery into the bright midday sun, Zara felt as if she were seeing the world through new eyes. The city around her seemed alive with possibility, each building and street corner holding the promise of hidden wonders.

"Congratulations," Kai said, bumping her shoulder playfully as they walked to the car. "I knew you'd impress them."

Zara smiled, but her mind was elsewhere. As they drove home, her thoughts kept drifting back to the intense look in Dr. Vance's eyes, the way the drawing had come alive under the gallery lights, and the strange, beautiful drafting set waiting for her in her room.