My Last And My Only

Chapter 103: In Between Frames

The photo challenge lasted all of five minutes before everyone conveniently forgot it was a competition.

Or at least...

That's what they claimed.

Lindtsey knew better.

Every now and then, she'd catch someone discreetly pulling out their phone, pretending to admire a sculpture while aiming the camera at their assigned person.

She smiled to herself.

Exactly as planned.

They entered another gallery, its high ceilings letting sunlight spill across polished floors.

"This one feels cooler," Gwen commented.

"It's because of the airflow," Yves answered almost immediately.

Christine looked around dramatically.

"I was going to say it's because the art demands a colder atmosphere."

No one responded.

Not because they hadn't heard her.

Because they were used to her.

Chico leaned toward Gwen.

"Does she always narrate life?"

Gwen smiled.

"You get free commentary with every trip."

"I like it."

"You'll regret saying that."

Near the center of the gallery stood a tall abstract sculpture made of metal loops twisting into one another.

Christine walked around it once.

Twice.

Then stopped.

"I have a theory."

Yves sighed.

"Already?"

"It represents the cycle of overthinking."

Yves glanced at the plaque.

"It represents the changing seasons."

Christine looked at the ceiling.

"The artist and I simply have different lived experiences."

Even Islao laughed quietly from the doorway.

Christine pointed at him.

"Kuya Islao, back me up."

He smiled politely.

"I think I'll side with the artist."

The gallery erupted in laughter.

While everyone recovered, Chico quietly completed another photo.

Christine had been mid-sentence, one hand in the air as she defended her interpretation with complete confidence.

Click.

A perfectly candid shot.

He looked at it.

"...Not bad."

He slipped his phone back into his pocket before she noticed.

Outside, another courtyard opened into gardens lined with sculptures and flowering vines.

The group spread out naturally.

Yves had wandered toward an information marker again.

Nica and Francheska followed at a slower pace, taking in the gardens without much conversation.