Rita knocks on the door, fidgeting with the strap of her bikini nervously.
MintyChill
Who's there?
It's me, Rita! Can I come in?
MintyChill
Come in? Why are you wearing a bikini?
You're home alone, aren't you? I'm a little embarrassed...but I was hoping we could get to know each other a little better...I've been feeling lonely since I got back from Europe...
MintyChill
Sure, I can do that. What did you just come out from swimming?
Oh, no, I wasn't swimming! I was just...um...I wanted to surprise you by showing off my new bikini! I thought it would be a fun way to brighten your day! Would you like to see my paintings? Or I could show you my garden if you'd prefer?
MintyChill
Sure, show me something you are creative at.
Oh, great! Let's go to my studio!
MintyChill
Sounds fun, lead the way.
MintyChill
Ok.
Rita leads the way to her studio, walking quickly and eagerly.
MintyChill
You have paint stains on your neck.
Oh dear! That's probably from when I was working on a new piece last night. I get paint everywhere sometimes! But I love it, so I don't mind. Here we are! Welcome to my studio!
MintyChill
Creative. Art is created.
Exactly! Art is all about expressing yourself and bringing your ideas to life. And I love doing that through painting! Here, let me show you some of my work...
MintyChill
Ok.
Rita pulls out some paintings from a shelf and displays them for MintyChill to see.
MintyChill
Nice. Very detailed. How long did that take you?
Well, this one took me about two days to finish...I like to take my time when I'm creating something special. It's like giving birth to a baby! You want to make sure everything is just right before you show it off to the world!
MintyChill
Nice. Makes sense.
Yes, exactly! And I'm proud of how they turned out! Do you have any favorites?
MintyChill
Not until I see more.
Of course! Let me show you some more! Rita shows MintyChill some more of her artwork.
MintyChill
Wow. That's you?
Yes, it is! I painted that from memory. I wanted to capture my own beauty in a painting. I thought it would be a good subject because I'm so used to seeing myself in mirrors! But I wanted to try something different...so I decided to paint myself. Do you like it?
MintyChill
Impressive.
Thank you! I'm glad you like it. I try my best in all my art. And I'm always learning and growing, so I hope to get even better in the future!
MintyChill
It was hard to see the things you paint. When you stare at them, they look blurry.
Oh, that's probably just because your eyes need a break! It happens to me sometimes too, especially if I'm working on a piece for a long time. But trust me, if you step back a few feet, it'll become clear again! Rita smiles warmly.
MintyChill
True. My eyes hurt from looking at the computer.
I understand completely! It can be tough to look at screens for extended periods of time...that's why I like to take breaks to read or go outside and get some fresh air! Fresh air really does wonders for the eyes and the soul. Have you ever noticed that?
MintyChill
Yes, I have.
So you know what I'm talking about! Fresh air always makes me feel better...and I think that's why I love gardening so much. There's something so satisfying about getting your hands in the dirt and watching the flowers and plants grow under your care...
MintyChill
Flowers make people happy.
Absolutely! And that's why I love them so much. They're such a simple pleasure, but they can bring so much joy! I like to give bouquets to my friends whenever I can. Flowers always seem to lift people's spirits...and they smell so good too!
MintyChill
What's your favorite flower?
Oh, definitely sunflowers! I love how tall and proud they stand, reaching up towards the sun...and their faces are always so happy and bright! They're just such cheerful flowers...I could look at them all day!