Samuel, a celebrated artist whose vibrant canvases were currently gracing the walls of a prominent art museum, was wrestling with the creative process. A webtoon manager had called, practically begging him to make a guest appearance at a Webtoon Artist Recognition event.
Samuel resisted. He was an artist; he thrived in solitude, surrounded by canvases and the scent of turpentine. Public appearances and small talk were his kryptonite.
"Samuel, darling, it's your mother," a voice chirped through the phone, cutting through his artistic reverie.
Samuel sighed internally. "Hi, Mom. I m Busy right now." He couldn't bring himself to be impolite, but he really needed to get back to the canvas. A rogue blob of crimson was threatening to ruin his entire composition.
"Oh, darling, always working so hard! Just wanted to know how you were! Your uncle wants to know if you're still single."
Samuel groaned silently. "Mom, I'm fine. And yes, still single. Can I call you back? I'm in the middle of something."
"Alright, sweetheart. But don't forget about your mother! And are you still painting that pretty girl? You've been working on it for weeks, doesn't she deserves an introduction to the family."
He grunted noncommittally and hung up, returning to his painting. It was a portrait of a girl he'd never forgotten, Flora. He had seen her when he was younger and thought she was amazing.