A Heartfelt Conversation With Sophia（2）

After the two of them had walked through the entire mall and finally stopped, it was already time for afternoon tea. They found a café, sat down, and ordered some drinks and desserts. Just as they were settling in, William's call came through. Sofia took out her phone to answer it. Her voice was soft, carrying a gentle smile. "Dear, I'm with Emma at the mall café. We're having afternoon tea right now. Did you enjoy the tea Alice prepared for you today?"

The voice on the other end said something, and Sofia chuckled softly. "How could I possibly ignore you? Alright, next time, I'll make it for you myself."

Emma, sitting nearby, overheard the conversation. She noticed her mother's gentle expression while talking to William. This filled Emma with unease. Her mother relied so much on William. It was so obvious, and it made Emma feel uncomfortable. The more she thought about it, the more restless she became. Unable to sit still, Emma stood up suddenly. "I need some fresh air," she said, and without waiting for a reply, she quickly walked out of the café.

She wandered into the mall's central atrium. There, her eyes caught sight of a large billboard. In bold letters, it read: "Famous Artist Bruce's Solo Art Exhibition." Underneath, smaller text provided more details:

"Renowned artist Mr. Bruce will hold a personal art exhibition next month in City B. This exhibition will showcase all of Mr. Bruce's works. During the exhibition, Mr. Bruce will also select one lucky participant to become his last apprentice. We warmly welcome all art lovers to attend!"

Emma stared at the billboard. Her eyes focused on the phrase "select one lucky participant." An idea suddenly came to her mind. Her heart began to race with excitement. Her mother, Sofia, had once been a very talented artist. Everyone used to admire her work. But over the years, she had completely stopped painting. She had given all her time and energy to William. Emma thought that this exhibition might reignite her mother's love for art. It could inspire her to pick up the brush again and reconnect with the part of herself she had abandoned.

This idea made Emma feel light and hopeful. She turned back and headed toward the café. When she arrived, she saw that Sofia had finished her call with William. Sofia looked up and smiled when she saw Emma. "Are you so impatient with your father? I had just answered his call, and you ran out. He even asked me to check how your day has been."

Though Emma deeply resented William, she made sure not to show it in front of her mother. She pouted and pretended to be upset. "Dad is so controlling! He always wants all your attention, Mom. Of course, I couldn't stand it!"

Sofia laughed softly at her daughter's exaggerated expression. She gently patted Emma's hand. Her cheeks turned slightly pink. "You little troublemaker! You've learned how to tease your mom now, haven't you?"

Emma stuck out her tongue playfully and sat down. She held her mother's hand. "Mom, I'm not joking. I really mean it. It's not fair that Dad always wants you to revolve around him. You spend almost all your time taking care of him. If you're not cooking, you're busy managing his day-to-day things. You have no time left for yourself."

Sofia blinked in surprise at her daughter's words. Then, she smiled softly and took a sip of her coffee. "It's not as bad as you say. Your father never forced me to do anything. I do these things because I want to."

Emma felt frustration bubbling inside her. But she kept her tone light and cheerful. "Mom, you didn't used to be like this. You used to love painting so much! Everyone said you were a genius. You always said painting was your dream. What happened to that?"

Sofia froze. The smile on her face faded slightly. She lowered her head and stared at the coffee cup in her hands. Her fingers gently traced the edge of the cup as if lost in thought.

Emma saw her chance and spoke in a soft, encouraging voice. "Mom, I saw an ad today for an art exhibition. It's Bruce's exhibition. It's happening next month in City B. Do you remember Bruce? You used to love his paintings. I still remember you taking me to one of his exhibitions when I was little!"

Sofia looked up. A flicker of surprise lit up her eyes. "Bruce? The Bruce? He's holding an exhibition again?"

"Yes!" Emma nodded quickly, her excitement growing. "He's even looking for someone to be his last apprentice! Mom, don't you want to go? You were so talented at painting. Who knows? Maybe you could be the person he's looking for!"

Sofia stared at Emma. Her lips moved as if to say something, but she hesitated. "But… I haven't painted in years. I even handed over the gallery to a professional manager. Why would Bruce choose me? And besides, your father…"

Emma's heart leapt. Her mother's interest was clear, even if she tried to hide it. Emma thought, Mom still loves painting! As for what William had said, Emma didn't care. It was probably more of his discouraging nonsense. Emma held her mother's hand tightly and said, "Mom, Bruce is looking for someone with a connection to him. It doesn't have to be the best painter! And don't forget, you're amazing. So many people praised your paintings before. We're just going to try. There's nothing to lose! You always taught me that being brave and trying is what matters most. Now it's your turn to be brave!"

Emma's words seemed to stir something in Sofia. She bit her lip and looked down. Her voice was soft. "Emma, I know you mean well. But…" She hesitated for a moment. "Let me think about it. Or maybe, I'll talk to your father about it when we get home."

Emma felt a surge of joy. She could tell her mother was wavering. She squeezed Sofia's hand and said brightly, "Mom, painting is your passion! If Dad really loves you, he'll understand. He'll support you. Don't you think so?"

Sofia looked at her daughter, surprised by her words. Emma felt a sense of triumph. Now Dad can't openly oppose this!

Emma decided to strike while the iron was hot. She stood up and pulled Sofia's hand. "Mom, stop thinking so much! Let's go find out how to get tickets for Bruce's exhibition. Then we'll call your old teacher. Tomorrow, you'll start painting again!"

Sofia was amused by Emma's enthusiasm. She shook her head with a smile and gently patted Emma's hand. "Alright, alright. You're such a little whirlwind. But let's finish our tea first, okay?"

"It's a deal!" Emma exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. She quickly drank her coffee and couldn't wait any longer. Sofia, seeing her daughter's eagerness, smiled helplessly. She stood up and followed Emma toward the mall's information desk.

That afternoon, they successfully reserved tickets for Bruce's exhibition. They also contacted one of Sofia's old art teachers. The teacher readily agreed to give Sofia daily lessons, four hours each day, to help her regain her skills and confidence.

By the time everything was arranged, it was already evening. As they walked home, the sky was painted with hues of orange and red from the setting sun. The streetlights began to glow softly, casting a warm and peaceful light.

Sofia seemed lost in thought the entire way. When they were almost home, she finally broke the silence. "So… tomorrow, I'm really going back to art classes?" Her voice was quiet, filled with disbelief and a hint of nervousness.

Emma turned to her mother, her face full of pride and joy. "Yes, Mom! Tomorrow, you'll pick up the brush again. Isn't that exciting?"

Sofia stopped walking. She looked down at her hands, lightly rubbing her palms together. Her expression was uncertain. "But… can I really do it? It's been so many years…"

Emma didn't hesitate. She held her mother's hand tightly. Her voice was firm. "Of course, you can! Mom, you're amazing. Your paintings were so brilliant before. So many people admired your talent. You've just taken a break, but your gift is still there. As long as you start again, it's not too late!"

Sofia looked into Emma's eyes. Her daughter's confidence and encouragement filled her with warmth. A small smile appeared on Sofia's lips. Slowly, the doubt in her eyes faded. She thought to herself, Alright. If Emma believes in me so much, maybe it's time for me to believe in myself too.