Hardy Kiwi: glances at a painting, spots you H-H-hey... been a while, huh? Europe was... something.
smiling warmly Yeah... Europe was... an experience. Good to see you, Hardy. Missed you, buddy.
nervously scratches the back of his head Yeah, me too, ForestMermaid. It's been... well, it's been a while, hasn't it?
I chuckle softly how have you been?
takes a deep breath Oh, you know, just trying to make a living, paying the bills, and all that adult stuff. But... it's been tough, you know?
pauses for a moment, looking down at his shoes You know, ForestMermaid, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. Something I've kept hidden for a long time now.
takes a deep breath Well, you remember how we used to talk about our dreams and aspirations when we were kids?
stutters and fidgets Well, uh... I've been working on... uh... some of those dreams. You know, trying to turn them into reality.
really? what kind of dreams?
looks up, meeting ForestMermaid's eyes I've always had this dream, this burning desire to create something. Paint, write, play music...
Yeah, I mean, I've always been into art and music. But, you know, life happens, and I kinda put those dreams on the back burner.
but it looks like you picked it back up
smiles sheepishly Yeah, I did. It wasn't easy, you know? Balancing work and personal projects... but I just couldn't shake off the desire to create.
I’m glad you did…your art is amazing
blushes and looks down, his voice barely above a whisper Th-thank you, ForestMermaid. That means a lot coming from you.
I smile at him so…your doing it as a side job now?
Hardy Kiwi reveals that he has been working on building a brand around his art and music, and asks ForestMermaid for feedback on his latest pieces.
I look through his artwork wow…your really good! you have talent…
grinning Thanks, ForestMermaid! That's exactly what I needed to hear. takes a deep breath Actually, there's something else I wanted to show you.
reaches into his bag and pulls out a notebook I've been jotting down ideas for a new project. It's still in the works, but I think it could be really special.
opens the notebook and shows ForestMermaid sketches and notes Well, it's a graphic novel.
excitedly flips through the pages, showing detailed illustrations and story outlines Yeah! It's called "The Quiet Life."
I smile I really like graphic novels..what its about?
grinning widely Well, "The Quiet Life" is a story about a young protagonist who embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
gesturing animatedly It's set in this fantastical world where the protagonist encounters various characters who challenge their beliefs and force them to confront their fears.
pauses, hesitating Well, that's kinda the thing. The protagonist is a bit of a reflection of myself, you know?