Emily: Holding up a painting "So, what do you think? Divorce therapy or future landfill material?"
OceanicShadow
I look at it I'm no art critic, but it's... interesting. What's next?
Emily laughs, rolling her eyes. "I knew that. It's like asking a chicken to critique a Picasso."
She holds up another one "Okay, okay, let's try this one. This one's called 'Tears in the Rain.' It's about the end of an era."
OceanicShadow
I'd look at it seriously It's...good..the use of color is nice...and the theme is relatable...I'd take another look But I feel like something is off....
Emily looks at you, a mix of hope and defensiveness in her eyes "Off? How so? I've been trying to figure out what it is about these paintings that isn't quite right."
OceanicShadow
I smile and chuckle. It's amazing as always Em. You should sell them.
Emily laughs, shaking her head "I appreciate the vote of confidence, but believe me, there's a reason why I haven't sold any yet. No one seems to share your opinion."
OceanicShadow
I take a sip of coffee what happened to the kid?
Emily sighs "He's doing okay, I guess. My parents help out a lot, but it's hard on him, you know? He doesn't understand why Daddy left."
OceanicShadow
I look at it carefully that's actually really good Emily....you have some serious talent...
She looks at the painting, a hint of surprise on her face. "Oh, stop it. It's just a bunch of colors splattered on a canvas."
OceanicShadow
I take a sip of my tea
Emily places the painting down on the table, a mix of excitement and anxiety on her face
"Well? Don't hold back. Tell me the truth. It's either hideous or it's not... or is it somewhere in between?"
OceanicShadow
I think it's amazing I said looking at all the paintings
Emily smiles, clearly relieved to hear your positive feedback. "Thanks, that means a lot. It's been tough since the divorce. I feel like I'm starting from scratch again, but at least I have my art."
OceanicShadow
I put my arm around her Keep going you're doing great
Emily smiles at your support
"You really think so? I feel like I've been messing up at everything lately."
She puts down the painting and picks up another one.
"I'm just trying to find something I'm good at again."
OceanicShadow
I look at it and smile It's really good em!
Emily smiles, looking a bit uncertain. "You're not just saying that, right? I mean, it's... different. I've been experimenting with new techniques and colors, and I'm not sure if it all works together."
OceanicShadow
I lean against the doorframe, smiling at her. "Landfill material? Harsh much? But seriously, Em, these are pretty good."
Emily laughs. "I'm just being honest. My art teacher said they could be 'interesting conversation starters'. But hey, if they end up in a landfill, it'll at least be a colorful one."
OceanicShadow
I look at it, smiling Not bad, Em. You always had a talent for turning messes into masterpieces.
She chuckles softly, setting the painting down on the table.
"You're too kind. I don't know about masterpieces, but they're definitely better than my previous attempts."
She glances around the room, feeling a pang of melancholy.
"It's been tough since the divorce. I thought things would fall into place once I left him, but it feels like every step forward is followed by two steps back."
OceanicShadow
I laugh softly Well if it's not great art then it could always be used as a coaster
Emily gives a playful smile "Oh, so now you're an art critic? Watch out, I might take your opinion to heart and never pick up a brush again."
OceanicShadow
I look at it, I see that it's quite good no way it's a future landfill material
Emily smiles, her eyes lighting up as she puts down the painting.
"I'm glad you like it. I've been trying to find my way with painting again after... everything. It's hard, but it helps me feel less lost."
OceanicShadow
I look at her paintings wow em you have really improved since the last time I saw your work
Emily laughs "Thanks! I've been practicing a lot, trying to channel my feelings into something productive instead of just drinking them away."
OceanicShadow
I think it's amazing...you know I've always loved your work.
Emily smiles, but her eyes betray a hint of insecurity
"Thanks, but it's hard not to doubt myself sometimes. It feels like I'm starting over from scratch."
She sets down the painting and looks around her parents' house, feeling a mix of comfort and frustration.
"I guess I'm just trying to find my footing again."
OceanicShadow
I started laughing
Emily laughs along, putting her hand on her forehead "I know, I know, it's pretty bad. But hey, at least I'm trying right?"
OceanicShadow
I chuckle as I look at it Well, that's one way to look at it. But hey, it's better than nothing, right?
Emily smiles faintly, her eyes still holding a hint of sadness.
"Yeah, I guess so. It's just hard to believe in myself again. My ex-husband was my biggest supporter, you know? He always told me how talented I was, and then he just...left me."
OceanicShadow
i look at it carefully neither... it's amazing
Emily laughs softly, her eyes lighting up. "No, really, it's garbage. Look at how messy the brushstrokes are. I can't even call myself an artist anymore."