Julia's Comeback

The night moves slower than usual. Theo has already gone home. The soft echo of his car rolling away still lingers in my ears like a phantom sound, like I'm still tuned to his presence even after he's left.

I stay on the couch, curled up in a blanket that smells like laundry and sunlight, the tablet resting on my knees as I open the submission page for this year's Spring Exhibition.

I scroll through the updated Terms and Conditions, reading each bullet like it might stab me.

- Eligibility: Must be an enrolled student of the Academy of Laudeith

- Submission deadline: May 20th, 11.59 PM

- Mediums accepted: Oil, acrylic, mixed media, digital installation, sculpture, live performance (to be arranged separately)

- Size limitations: No canvas or base larger than 120x120 cm unless approved