Mary spent the entire workshop absorbed in her painting, enjoying every stroke. Occasionally, she glanced at the other students' works, amazed by how skilled they were. But instead of feeling discouraged, she reminded herself that this was only the beginning of her journey. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Hours passed, and the students began packing up their tools. Just as Mary was putting away her brushes, Nicholas walked over to her. He looked at her painting and said:
Nicholas: "For a first-term student… not bad at all. But here—you should've used a cat's tongue brush. It would've blended the color better."
Mary listened carefully, nodding with interest. Yong, who was taking off his apron and fixing his clothes, glanced at Nicholas and chimed in:
Yong: "Professor, could you comment on my painting too?"
Mary turned to look at Yong's piece—it was stunningly professional.
Mary: "Wow…"
Nicholas studied the painting for a moment, raised an eyebrow, and said:
Nicholas: "Your painting… hmm… belongs in the trash."
Mary's jaw dropped.
Yong leaned forward slightly, a smirk on his face.
Yong: "Then maybe I should hang it next to yours."
Mary burst into laughter and couldn't stop herself.
Mary: "I'm so sorry—excuse me…"
Nicholas and Yong exchanged a glance and chuckled. Yong gave Nicholas a cold look, picked up his canvas, and walked toward the professor. Nicholas muttered under his breath:
Nicholas: "Gotta admire how he never backs down…"
He helped Mary carry her painting off the easel and leaned it against the wall.
Mary: "Did you two meet here at the academy?"
Nicholas (smiling): "Friends? Me and that smart-mouth? Hardly."
Mary: "Still, seems like you know each other well."
Nicholas paused, then replied:
Nicholas: "It'd be better if I didn't."
Mary was surprised, but then suddenly remembered something.
Mary: "Oh, I forgot to ask—will Helen be coming today? I brought her dress."
Nicholas: "She shows up sometimes. Anyway, I'm heading out. See you tomorrow."
Mary: "There's a workshop tomorrow too?"
Nicholas: "Yeah, both weekend days. It's optional though. Don't worry if you're busy."
Mary: "No, I'd love to come. It's really helpful."
Nicholas: "Not bad, huh? Alright, see you."
After Nicholas left, Mary carefully placed her brushes into the box and glanced over at Yong, who was talking animatedly with the professor. She waited until the professor was free so she could ask about her own work. Sitting on a chair, she was approached by a couple of female students.
Girl 1: "Hey there. You're new, right? Haven't seen you before."
Mary: "Yeah, this is my first workshop session."
Girl 2: "How long have you been painting?"
Mary: "For quite a while, actually, but I've only been taking formal classes this term."
Girl 2: "Nice, then we'll probably see more of you."
Mary: "Actually, I'm taking the online course. I can't join in-person classes regularly."
Girl 1: "That's okay. We'll see you at the workshops, then."
Mary: "Yeah, sounds good."
Just then, the professor approached.
Professor: "Mary, did you finish your piece?"
Mary: "Yes, Professor. I was waiting to get your opinion."
The girls returned to their easels. Yong approached to grab his bag. The professor smiled:
Professor: "Not bad for your first session. You've already made some friends."
Mary: "Yes, everyone here is so friendly."
Yong (murmuring): "There he goes again… another girl's attention."
Mary raised an eyebrow at Yong's comment, confused.
The professor studied Mary's painting.
Professor: "Not too bad… The colors are nicely blended. But your usual weakness with brush technique shows again. You should've used a cat's tongue brush here—it would've helped."
Mary: "Nicholas said the same thing, actually."
The professor smiled, and Mary blushed. He then turned to Yong:
Professor: "Yong, you leaving without giving feedback?"
Yong (reluctantly): "Honestly, I think it's great. For a first-term student, there's nothing missing."
Professor: "As always, your comments are encouraging rather than crushing."
Yong smiled and left. Mary looked at him, puzzled, then glanced back at her own painting.
Later, Mary walked home, thinking about what had happened.
Mary (thinking): "What did he mean by that? 'For a first-term student'—was that just an observation or sarcasm? He doesn't know I've been painting for years… But I really liked how Nicholas gave feedback. He's a real artist. Lucky them, to be in this world for so long…"
The next day, Mary showed up in simple clothes and focused on her painting again. Nicholas wasn't there, and she found herself wondering why.
Spotting Helen, she walked over.
Mary: "Hi, Helen. Remember me?"
Helen: "Of course I do."
Mary: "You really helped me. I actually brought your dress back."
Helen: "Sweetie, you didn't have to. Let's just say it's a gift from me."
Mary (smiling): "Thank you. Hey, have you seen Nicholas? He said he'd be here today."
Helen: "Haven't seen him. Maybe he had something else to do. He's always kind of unpredictable."
Mary: "I see… Alright, I won't interrupt. Catch you after the session?"
Helen: "Sure, sweetie."