[2] GIRL ALMIGHTY | T. HOLLAND ✔️

1.5 laughter lines

offline

slight warning that I write this chapter based on my foggy memory of this place from two years ago

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sitting down on a corner of the train leading to the main building , Tom and Nina we're unaware of people around them. every step was like finally going in the right direction after walking the wrong path in life. she had decided to not formulate any opinions or plans until at least a month after they had met each other, it turned out the young Latina was very good at compartmentalizing feelings.

"hey, check this out." her voice was cut by giggling. the young couple had gone through a room containing old books and manuscripts, followed by a few rooms containing baroque painting.

Tom soon found the source of her amusement at the painting of a church courtyard. what was really funny was the priest dead asleep in a window as chaos ensued around him.

"it's me." he took great pleasure in making her laugh. his painting of choice had been one where a man laid down on the floor while being attacked by several different beings.

"I stand by Rainbow Rowell when she says that it's not supposed to be pretty, it's supposed to make you feel something but these are all so funny." people have her pointed stares.

another painting showed a man happily playing the lute while his friend forcefully made out with a half naked girl and they were fighting to contain their laughter. most people seemed to not mind their antics, even going as far as to sneak pictures of such a cute couple but a woman was about to call for security if they didn't stop.

"I think that lady." mid forties, short blonde hair and sports sweats. "is going to call the manager on us."

for some unknown reason that was the last drop for Marina to burst into quite laughter, leaving Tom to gently grab her arm.

"I am not even sorry."

modern art had a much younger crowd, some students had their drawing pads out to practice and a mother patiently answered her child's questions. but Marina tuned everything, including Tom, out as her eyes met the lilac flowers.

"Nina?" she sat down in front of The Irises, prompting Tom to do the same.

"you know this was one of Van Gogh's first paintings at the asylum?" her eyes had a distant look to them; as if instead of talking to him, she was merely thinking out loud.

"you seem to like this one a little more than the others." he said tentatively.

"I have a certain bias when it comes to Van Gogh and specially this painting because despite it being one of their hardest time in his life, he still managed to paint something so alive."

"it does look like he saw some good in the world still."

the boy must have said something right because she sat a little closer to his side on the ride back to the hotel.