The following week, Ivy found herself in the same café, nursing her hot chocolate while Soren scrolled through his phone beside her. Outside, snowflakes fell gently, covering the world in a blanket of white, creating a cozy atmosphere that seemed to lull her into a sense of calm. Despite the cold weather, Ivy felt the warmth of the café seep into her.
“Have you thought any more about your painting?” Soren asked, breaking her train of thought.
Ivy sighed, pushing her drink away. “Honestly? I haven’t touched it. I just can’t find the motivation.”
“Have you thought about going back to the art gallery?” Soren suggested, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “Maybe seeing some of your old favorites could inspire you.”
“Maybe,” Ivy replied nonchalantly, though the idea sent a flicker of anxiety through her. The gallery was a place she had always loved, but the memories of her mother lingered in the air, making it hard for her to feel comfortable there.
As they sat in companionable silence, Ivy’s phone buzzed with a notification. It was from Vera, one of her friends from the art community.
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[Vera]
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Vera] Hey! Are you coming to the gallery’s opening this Friday? You won’t want to miss it! 15:11
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Ivy’s heart raced at the thought of returning to the gallery. She typed back a quick response, uncertain of what to do.
“Everything okay?” Soren asked, noticing her distracted expression.
“Just got invited to a gallery opening,” Ivy said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m not sure if I should go.”
“Why not?” Soren leaned in, his interest piqued. “It could be a great opportunity to get inspired. Plus, you might see some old friends.”
“I just… I don’t want to feel out of place,” Ivy admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if I see people I used to know? It could be awkward.”
Soren's brow furrowed, concern crossing his face. “You’re not going to feel awkward. You’re talented, and you belong there. Just be yourself.”
Ivy shrugged, her thoughts swirling. “I guess. I just feel like everyone’s moving on with their lives, and I’m stuck.”
“Trust me, you’re not stuck,” Soren replied, trying to reassure her. “You’re just figuring things out. And I’ll be there with you. Besides, it’ll be fun!”
“Yeah, fun,” Ivy echoed, though her mind was still racing.
Soren grinned. “Imagine all the pastries we can eat! We’ll take a tour of the gallery and then drown ourselves in sweets. That’s a winning combo, right?”
Ivy chuckled lightly, appreciating Soren’s attempt to ease her nerves. “As long as there are chocolate croissants, I’m in.”
“See? That’s the spirit!” Soren said, raising his hot chocolate in a mock toast. “To chocolate croissants and rediscovering Ivy Carrigan Blair!”
As they laughed together, Ivy felt a flicker of hope. Maybe attending the opening wouldn’t be so bad after all. And with Soren by her side, she knew she could face whatever came her way.
Ivy texted back Vera after making her decision
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[Vera]
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YOU ARE READING
A Symphony of Scars
RomanceStory Description for Symphony of Scars In the wake of a tragic car accident that stole her mother, Ivy Carrigan Blair has lost her artistic spark, leaving her isolated in a world filled with shadows and regrets. Once a vibrant painter, she now hide...
