Our Canvas

Chapter 3 - Unbreakable

[Art Studio, 4:45 P.M, Wednesday]

*Time has clearly passed as the two have been talking for quite some time. A violent orange has taken over the horizon.*

Takumi: I don't really know what else to say, after a while I guess I just relied on her way too much for everything, I had the talent but all of the inspiration and spirit came through her. I cared more about cherishing our moments more than anything.

Michi: So let me get this straight. She was pretty much your motivation, right?

Takumi: Yep.

Michi: And now that she's... Well... not around, you can't really focus anymore?

Takumi: *Grimacing* Hey, listen, can we not talk about this anymore?

Michi: Right, sorry.

Takumi: *Sigh* I'm sorry, but this is really personal to me, besides, look at you, you're plenty good enough already. I can't really help you.

Michi: *Ignoring his comment.* Look at this... *Showing her phone to Takumi and rapidly scrolling through her past art.* ... It's just... None of it seems special to me like it's nice to look at, but nothing feels impactful.

Takumi: *To himself* How can she not see that these are already amazing? Some of these are on par with what I was making during -

Michi: Besides, so much more goes into making a masterpiece, right? You've had to have been painting all your life, like me. There's gotta be some underlying skills you're telling yourself you don't have.

Takumi: *In head* Jeez, has she ever done anything besides paint? *Out loud* I guess, but I really don't know. I guess I just overthink stuff, okay?

Michi: It sounds like your heart leads your actions. Maybe I could try doing the same thing, but it's harder than it sounds.

Takumi: Yeah, when you put it that way you're not wrong.*While packing his things.*  What do you think you're missing?

Michi: I... I don't know, I know I sound repetitive but as I said, I think you can help me. Let's work together!

Takumi: I don't mean to be rude, but even if you were to use my "methods" it wouldn't work, you don't know what I've been through, and how those things felt. When I work, it just happens, I don't really think about it.

Michi: That doesn't help, I just want the chance to work with you!

Takumi: Nope.

Michi: Just a few days! I'll do anything!

Takumi: *grabs his bag and walks to the door.* I don't think I can work with anyone at the moment regardless. I gotta go. I'm sure you have somewhere to be too.

*Takumi waits at the door.*

Michi: *Grabbing her bag and walking out, she thinks to herself.* Painting with my emotions? Father used to draw a line between his life and his work, so I did the same... All I was ever taught was to produce what the people would want to see...

*Takumi locks the door and the two stand briefly outside the studio in the hallway.*

Takumi: Sorry. I guess I'll see you in Humanities?

Michi: Yeah.

*Michi looks at him and leaves, shoulders dropped.*

*Takumi watches her walk off before leaving the same way.*