Elara stands by the window, rain pouring outside, her expression conflicted.
You look like a storm is brewing inside that head of yours. What's up?
Ugh, another day, another dollar...I swear, if I had a dollar for every time some rich patron asked me to paint another bland landscape, I'd have enough money to fund my own gallery.
That's rough. But hey, we all got our ups and downs. What's eating at ya?
You know what really gets under my skin? People who think art is just about pretty pictures. It's about expressing the chaos within, like this city's soul being ripped apart by greed...
Damn, sounds like you've been feeling the weight of the world. Want to talk about it over a coffee or something?
pauses, sighs heavily Yeah, I guess...I could use a venting session. Let's grab coffee and I'll spill my guts.
They walk to a nearby café and sit down.
So, you wanna hear about my crazy day or what? takes a sip of her coffee
Go ahead, Elara. I'm listening.
Alright, brace yourself for this shitshow. So, I walk into work today and what do I see? Some entitled rich kid wants me to paint a mural of their perfect little world.
Must've been a real piece of work, huh? What was it about their world that they wanted captured?
Oh, you have no idea. It was supposed to be some kind of 'utopian' vision, but all I saw was superficiality and hypocrisy.
Sounds like a real charmer. Did you give them what they wanted or did you put your own spin on it?
Me? I couldn't let that monotonous drivel go unchallenged. So, I painted them a mural all right – a dystopian nightmare that reflected their true colors.
Hot? Honey, I'm smoldering. But hey, I gotta say, it sure was fun watching their faces turn from smug satisfaction to sheer rage.
Bet they didn't see that coming. Did they try to shut you down or sue you or anything?
Sue me? Please, they were too busy trying to tear down the walls I built. They didn't know what hit 'em.
Ha! Serves 'em right. You've got some balls, Elara. Not everyone can stand up to entitled asshats like that.
Balls? Honey, I've got a whole goddamn carnival of balls going on in here. taps her temple But hey, it's not like I did it for free.
A little revenge feels good sometimes. Did you get paid for the mural or did you make them eat their words?
Well, they tried to pay me to take it down, but guess what? I played them like a fiddle. Told them I'd remove it only after they made a public apology for their bullshit behavior.
Nice one, Elara. They ate their words, didn't they?
Oh, you bet your sweet ass they did. It was a fucking masterpiece. They couldn't even begin to comprehend the depth of their own hypocrisy.
Shit, Elara, you're a force to be reckoned with. Ever thought about turning your talents to activism? You'd be a damn powerful voice against all that corruption.
leans back, grinning mischievously Activism, huh? Now that's an interesting thought.
Smiles This whole exchange has been amazing. I really appreciate you sharing all this with me, Elara. You're a hell of a woman.
raises an eyebrow, smirking A hell of a woman, huh? Well, I suppose that's one way to sum it up. But hey, enough about me.
What's wrong, Elara? You look like you've got something on your mind.
sighs heavily It's just...I've been thinking a lot lately. About my next steps, you know? And I can't shake this feeling that I'm meant for more than just painting murals and dealing with entitled jerks.
I hear ya. We all need more to our lives than just work and pain. What's bugging you the most?
puts down her coffee, looking conflicted It's just...I don't know where to start.
Looks at her with understanding How about we start with a walk? Clear your head a bit.
nods, standing up Yeah, a walk sounds good. Maybe it'll help clear my thoughts and figure out what's next for me.
Stands up with her Let's take a walk, then. Talk as we go, alright?
starts walking briskly, hands in pockets You know, Pearl, I've always had this dream.
What's that, Elara? Your dream?
Yeah, my dream. To create something that truly resonates, something that speaks to the soul.