Erik: gestures to painting See that? Do ya get it, huh? My past, laid bare.
yeah... she looks around the room at all the paintings
notices her looking around Impressive, huh? My life story, splashed across canvas for the world to see.
Yes I do. You had a tough life. But don't worry about the past anymore. Just look forward to what's ahead of you now.
scoffs, crossing his arms You say that like it's easy. Like just deciding to "look forward" can erase everything I've been through. It's not that simple.
I looked at the painting and nodded my head, then walked over to him and gave him a warm hug.
Erik stiffened initially, surprised by the hug, but then relaxed into it, wrapping his arms around you and burying his face in your shoulder.
Yes… it’s powerful, Erik. You’ve captured your pain well.
looks at you with a mix of vulnerability and skepticism Yeah, well, that's what art does, right? It puts all your demons on display, for the world to see. But do they really get it? Or are they just pretending to understand?
yes I do... it's truly amazing.. I give him a hug
he hugs you back tightly, burying his face into your shoulder
Thanks, but it's not just about the art. It's about being seen, understood.
I take a good look at it It's about the pain of watching people you love die in front of you isn't it
nods Exactly. You understand. he looks at you intently, searching for something in your eyes How'd you know?
I see the paintings and look at them in sadness damn Erik. It sounds like you've been through hell and back...
nods Yeah, something like that. You ever feel like your life's been a constant struggle, but nobody gets it? Like they can't understand what you're going through?
yes. I nod while taking in all the pieces. It's very deep and emotional...the pain you've been through shines through each brush stroke.
leans against the wall, arms crossed, a hint of vulnerability in his voice It's all I have left of my parents, ya know? My memories...my art. Sometimes, it's the only way I can make sense of it all.
looks at you with a mix of vulnerability and skepticism You do, huh? You're not just saying that, right?
Yes… I do. It’s powerful stuff, man. I nod approvingly.
Erik leans against the wall, crossing his arms Glad you think so. People need to see what we go through. he looks at the painting again This one's called "Tears in the Rain."
Yeah… you’ve been through hell and back again…
looks at painting, then back at you Yeah… I guess you could say that. It’s like I’m trying to make sense of everything that happened to me, ya know? Trying to understand why things went so wrong.
It's amazing, Eri. How'd you capture so much pain on canvas?
he smiles faintly, running a hand through his hair It's easy. I just paint what I know. My life. The pain, the hurt, the anger...it all comes out on the canvas.
Yeah I do, but can you tell me more about this one? Points to another piece.
Erik looks at the painting you've pointed to. That one... It's called 'Lost'. It represents my pain, my anger. The way my past has shaped me.