Christopher wasnât aware I had made my way back as he was in a deep slumber when I reached the ward. The doctor told me he would be sleeping for quite some time since he had just taken pills that would induce sleep.
I arranged the things I brought along with me and took a seat next to him. Although he had a disheveled appearance after spending a few days in the ward, the fact remained he was a handsome man.
After all, he was seriously injured because of me and his comrades. He had sacrificed himself for a great cause, including keeping me safe.
I couldnât suppress the urge to turn the memorable moments into a keepsake of mine. Thus, I made up my mind to turn it into something tangibleâa painting.
Someday in the future, I could show those around me the man I was proud of with my chest held high. I could share his tales with our descendants, including the great qualities he had as a righteous man.
As soon as I had the easel ready, I unpacked the brushes and paints Christopher bought me. Staring at him in the eyes, I felt inspired to finish the painting because of the idea that came flooding out.
Oil painting would take a long time to complete. As it had been a long time since I last painted anything, I thought those skills were no longer accessible. However, I was wrongâI hesitated no more and started painting once I retrieved the brush.
Soon, I had the outlines of Christopherâs face drafted. Immersed in finishing the painting, I wasnât even aware he had been roused from his sleep, staring at me in the eyes.
Once I had his jawline outlined, I caught him tilting his head. Thus, I instructed, âStop moving around and close your eyes!â
Seconds after I returned to my senses, I put my brushes aside and shot daggers at Christopher. âHey! Are you trying to mess with me again?â
He chuckled and reached over, grasping my hand to bring me closer to him. Placing my hand on his cheek, he said, âI just donât want to interrupt you when youâre in the middle of something. Speaking of which, itâs going to cost a fortune to hire me. Are you ready to compensate me in return for my service?â
I rebuked with my chest held high in an attempt to tease him, âHey, youâre the one who needs to consider yourself lucky to be a model of mine, okay? Youâre about to be painted by a talented painter!â
âAlright, Iâll consider it a pleasure of mine. Why donât you show it to me?â Christopher suggested.
âNo! Youâre only allowed to take a look once itâs done!â Since he was the person of interest, I would never show him the unfinished painting.
Afraid of ruining the masterpiece, I had to exercise caution while putting everything aside, including the unfinished painting.
Staring at me with his lips pursed, Christopher asked, âHey, those are merely replaceable goods, arenât they? How can you ignore me and tend to those when Iâm here?â
I found his words hilarious and returned to him, kissing him on the cheek once I had everything put aside. âThose precious gifts from you arenât replaceable. Itâll always be irreplaceable as long as itâs something from you. Iâll hold on to it as if my life depends on it.â
I got on top of him and confronted with my brows furrowed, âNow, why donât you tell me the reasons you have bought me paintbrushes?â
He once mentioned he couldnât suppress the urge to get me the high-quality paintbrushes he saw. Thus, I refused to believe it was just a mere coincidence. Occasionally, I think he knows me better than I do.
That man is well aware of my preferences, my goals, my ambitions, and everything about me! Although I may get on his nerves for insisting on getting to the bottom of the rationale behind his action, I canât stop myself from being curious!
He had his arms wrapped around my waist and asked, âDo you still remember the banquet held at Tanner residence? You lost yourself in a train of thoughts while staring at Crystalâs painting. Thus, I thought you might have a thing for painting. I mean, no ordinary person would lose themselves, staring at a painting.â
It was an understatement because I hadnât just lost myself in a train of thoughtsâmy desire to paint again must have been written all over my face.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for Christopher to figure out the things I had in mind when we were merely acquainted for a short while.