Blank Canvas [Wattpad Prize 2014]

[15]

Dear Anna, 

It's summer. 

I don't feel like getting out of my room. Mom let Oliver in when he came over earlier today and he's saying that I've been locked up in my room for too long. I locked the door, of course. But mom had given Oliver the key to unlock the door. He barged in and sat on the bed while I threw the sheets over me.  

He was quite surprised when he saw my room. It used to be covered with sketches I've drawn but I've torn them all down ever since that happened. They made me think of you and thinking of you made me sick. I'd start drinking again if I feel sick. Oliver told me some stuff while he was here.

He said that I shouldn't throw away my sketches. I shouldn't give up on drawing just because something bad happened. Oliver said that drawing is my passion and being an artist is my dream. I shouldn't give up on something I have in common with you.

And that sparked up my inner artist. I got up from bed and pulled out a box full of sketches from under the bed. Oliver and I looked them through. They were all sketches of you and a few of some other things. 

Oliver: This is creepy, man. 

Me:

Oliver: In a good way... I think.

Me: [Laughs]

I haven't laughed in months. Oliver was glad I did. He said I was recovering. The first step of recovery is trying. I hope you're seeing this, Anna. Because I'm doing it for you. I'm putting the drawings back up on my wall again. 

Connor.