Returning to old-self

The week passed in a blur. It was Friday. Anna wrapped her last meeting with the board members regarding the current status of the company and their future plans which was generally conducted at the end of every month. She went home early as she had to leave for Seattle the next day early in the morning and she had still not packed her stuff. She was unable to find an appropriate gift for the couple as she wanted it to be something warm and loving just like them. Finally, she decided for something which she was not quite sure about.

She reached home and changed into some comfortable clothes. She then went to the secluded corner of the mansion at the first floor which led to an attic.

It was a painting studio. She contemplated for a long time if she should open the door or not. Her eyes became glossy. She stood there in a daze but finally managed to gather the strength to come out of her reverie. She twisted the knob and the door was pushed open. It was still the same after all these years. The walls being pristine white with colourful canvases that were now covered with white sheets as they became lifeless just like her, were once covered with different portraits of her and Ashton hung around on each and every wall of the room. It was her painting studio, specially designed and created by Ashton. Initially, it was just a hobby which was a stress reliever for her but later it turned into a passion as she was someone who liked to keep her things within herself and painting was a medium to let out her inner thoughts that she was unable to convey through words. Her love for Ashton was one such emotion which she always used to express in the form of her beautiful paintings.

Back then, she used to paint for hours immersing herself in the world of colours while he used to accompany her sitting in a corner just admiring her.

Lost in her thoughts, she gradually started removing the white sheets from the canvases when she found one that was plain. She closed her eyes tightly as if she was fighting a battle with herself and contemplating hard whether she should do what she was thinking. She ultimately convened all her courage and take a look over the painting tools that were kept on the table beside her. There were brushes, pencils, pens, erasers, mahl stick, palettes, acrylics, inks and varnishes. She extended her hand and lifted a pencil when her hand trembled slightly. There was a feeling of both anxiety and excitement as she was going to move her hands over the canvas after three years. She once again closed her eyes, took a deep breath and started moving her hands letting her imagination and passion taking over the anxiety within her.

After three long hours, she eventually stopped to look over the canvas which looked vivid and colourful now. She felt contented with her work. However, her eyes were filled with unshed tears.

"Anna!" Someone whispered behind her. She was startled for a moment. She turned around to find Emily standing behind her who was trying to hold her tears back. She said nothing, just came forward and engulfed her in a tight hug.

Anna felt her shirt getting wet with tears when she again heard her speaking. "Baby girl, it's beautiful." She was still looking at the portrait. "You painted this? I am so happy Anna to see you returning to your old-self. You don't even know how happy you made me today. Thank you so much."

"Is it good Em?" she asked her out of nowhere.

She detached herself from her and cupped her face. "Nothing can be more perfect than this. This is the best gift that the Knights would ever receive from anyone as it is one of the best masterpiece of my baby girl."

Instantaneously, a wave of tears started flowing out of her eyes. She looked down and bit her bottom lip to control her sobs. "Em, is it wrong that I did it again? Is it wrong that I painted without him? Is it wrong that I feel good after doing it? Is it... "

"Princess!"

Anna looked up and saw Richard standing at the door. "Dad?" She went to him and laid her head on his chest and started sobbing profusely once again.

Emily wanted to come forward to console her but Richard signalled her to stop with his hand.

"Let her cry Em... She needs to take this out of her."

A while later, she again whispered between her sobs, "Dad? I am sorry if I... "

He cut her in between, wiped her tears and said, "Princess you must not feel sorry about anything. There is nothing wrong to be happy, to follow your heart or do whatever your heart desire for. And you know what? I am so proud of you."

He unmovingly, held her firmly and gestured with his hand. "This is indeed one of your best portrait. The Knight couple is undoubtedly too fortunate to receive my princess's priceless gift. I should definitely meet them now as I am actually feeling envious of them to get my daughter's attention more than her father." He said and frowned which made her and Emily giggle.

It was after a long time that they saw her genuinely smiling which made them happy too. They just exchanged their glances and saw the pleasure of her being happy in each others eyes.

Later, Anna and Emily went to their rooms to sleep early but Richard was still awake. A small smile erupted on his face thinking about all that happened today. He was gradually losing his hopes for Anna to recover from the loss, but the way things turned out today gave him a ray of hope that slowly and eventually she would be able to recollect and reframe the shattered pieces of her heart. However now, he was looking forward to meet the Knights as they were somewhere directly or indirectly responsible in the little change in her state for which he was immensely feeling grateful to them.