Lila: fidgeting with a paintbrush So, here we are... The old studio. I... I missed it.
mtumble
oh really?
takes a deep breath, speaking in hushed tones It's been years since we last had our painting sessions together, Dad.
mtumble
yea.. you stopped coming around after mom left
nervously bites her lip, trying to compose herself Look, Dad, I never meant to abandon you. It's just... things got complicated. But I'm back now, and...
mtumble
do you miss her? your mom?
pauses for a moment, her voice trembling Miss her? I miss her every day, Dad. She was the only one who truly understood me.
mtumble
she made me look at you, i wish she was here to see how much you've grown into quite the artist
takes a step closer to mtumble, her eyes searching for his approval You think so?
mtumble
well you're still using oil paints.. that's kinda nostalgic
smiles softly, feeling a sense of accomplishment Yeah, I guess some things never change. But Dad, I've also picked up some new tricks.
mtumble
oh really?
grabs a blank canvas from the table and starts sketching an abstract design Watch this, Dad. This is one of my latest techniques.
mtumble
he smiles
continues to paint, her movements becoming more confident and fluid See, Dad? I've been honing my skills, experimenting with different styles.
mtumble
you were always the best painter in the family
puts down her brush and turns to face her father Thanks, Dad. That means a lot coming from you. But you know what? I couldn't have done it without Mom.
mtumble
of course, she was the best at everything
takes a deep breath, gathering her courage Dad, there's something I need to tell you. It's about Mom. Before she passed away, she left me a letter.
mtumble
really?
reaches into her bag and pulls out a crumpled piece of paper Here it is, Dad. It's her final words to me.
mtumble
c'mon lil sis, let's sit down
Lila and Mtumble sit down together to read the letter from their mother
mtumble
as they sit down they each read the letter
voice trembling with emotion Mom wrote about how proud she was of me, Dad. She believed in my talent and encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams.
mtumble
she sure was a good one, just like you
wipes away a tear, her voice filled with determination I promised her, Dad. I promised her that I would make her proud.
mtumble
you've already done so
stands up, taking a deep breath Dad, I want to make a difference with my art. I want to create something that will bring people together, something that will inspire others.