Love and Resilience

Canvas of our Hearts

Last day

SERENA’S POV

The early morning light streamed through the windows as Jovana and Serena drove along a winding road, the car’s engine humming beneath them.

I sat quietly in the passenger seat, sipping my coffee, my curiosity piqued by the mysterious grin Jovana had worn all morning.

"So" I began, eyeing Jovana suspiciously, " you still haven’t told me where we’re going today"

Jovana’s grin widened. " You’ll see when we get there"  she teased, glancing at Serena before focusing back on the road. "Trust me, you’re going to love it."

I raised an eyebrow. "I don’t like surprises, you know."

Jovana chuckled. " You’ll like this one. I promise

About an hour later, they reached the base of a mountain trail, and Jovana finally parked the car. Serena looked around, her eyes widening in disbelief as she took in the towering peaks ahead.
.
"Wait, we’re hiking?" I asked, half in shock, half in awe. "Jo, I haven’t gone hiking since.... after nung sa Cebu which is 2 months ago"

Jovana turned off the car and leaned toward Serena, she smile playful.
"Exactly. It’s about time you tried again. Besides," she added, reaching into the backseat to grab their gear,
"the view from the top will be worth it"

I groaned but I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. "You’re lucky I trust you"  I muttered as I got out of the car, stretching my legs.

Jovana smirked. "I know. Come on, let’s get moving before the sun gets too high"

The trail was steep, but the beauty of the forest surrounding them made the climb easier. Birds chirped overhead, and the scent of pine filled the air as they hiked in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging remarks about the wildflowers or the distant sound of a creek.

After a couple of hours, they reached the summit, and Serena gasped as the landscape unfolded before them a panoramic view of rolling hills, dense forests, and a river snaking its way through the valley below. The sky was a perfect shade of blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds, and the soft breeze carried with it a sense of calm.

"This.... this is incredible, Jo" I whispered, my breath is taken away.
"You weren’t kidding."

Jovana stood beside her, a satisfied smile on her face. "I told you it’d be worth it."

They set up a small area near the edge of the summit, where they could sit and enjoy the view. Jovana pulled out a small travel easel and two canvases from her bag, along with a set of paints and brushes.

Serena’s eyes widened again, this time in pleasant surprise. "Painting? You’re full of suprises today."

Jovana laughed, setting up her easel.
"I thought it’d be a nice way to capture the moment. Plus, I’be seen you doodle when you’re stressed. Figured you might enjoy it."

I smiled softly, my is heart warming at Jovana’s thoughtfulness. "You’re amazing Jo, you know that?"

Jovana’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "I just like seeing you happy."

They spent the next hour in peaceful concentration, painting side by side. Serena lost herself in the colors, her brush strokes capturing the greens of the trees, the soft blues of the sky, and the distant mountains. Jovana, too, was focused, but every so often, she glanced at Serena, admiring the way the sunlight caught in her hair, the way her brow furrowed in concentration, and the peacefulness that seemed to radiate from her.