Mary began her week with a restless mind, full of thoughts about an uncertain future. A new feeling had begun to bloom inside her, but she couldn't tell whether it was joy or sorrow. With confusion, she headed to the office.
At work, everything was going smoothly. The employees had worked hard to push forward new projects and had received excellent feedback from the client and the holding company. As a token of appreciation, Mr. Connor not only offered a cash bonus but also announced that all staff would receive additional paid leave, to be taken at staggered times.
Deniz approached Mary excitedly:
— "Mary, did you hear? We're getting bonus leave!"
Mary responded with a calm smile:
— "Really? That's great… we totally need it."
Deniz said teasingly:
— "You're going to use it for a date, aren't you?"
Mary replied coolly:
— "Don't be silly. I've already told you—we're just friends."
— "Well, at least be a little warm to him. Your 'friendship' is getting too dry!"
— "If I followed your advice, I'd be doomed."
Deniz asked curiously:
— "Did something happen?"
Mary answered wearily:
— "Over the weekend, when I went out with Nicholas, he told me he liked that I hadn't been chasing after him. He said it's better if we just stay good friends."
— "He actually said that?"
Mary nodded. Deniz frowned:
— "What a jerk! Don't bother with him anymore."
Mary laughed:
— "It's not like I was expecting marriage. I've always seen Nicholas as just a friend."
— "But seriously, what kind of girl can stay 'just friends' with a guy like that?"
— "Me. Helen. Even Diana."
Deniz raised an eyebrow:
— "Diana? The student from the studio?"
— "No, she was in college with Nicholas. She's Yong's fiancée."
Deniz chuckled:
— "Well then, let's take our leave together and go on a proper trip!"
But Mary had another idea in mind:
— "Actually, I want to use the time off to focus on painting."
— "There'll be plenty of time for painting later."
— "For years, I've been putting off my dream with that same excuse. After I hold my own exhibition, I'll take all the trips I want."
— "Ugh, I was counting on you."
Mary smiled:
— "Ask Ava. She might be free."
— "I guess I'll have to."
When Mary got home, she browsed art websites to find out the dates of upcoming major exhibitions. She decided to take the last three days of next week off, as more than five exhibitions by top artists were scheduled during those days. Mary believed that seeing professional artworks would double her motivation.
Later that week, she returned to the painting studio. But neither Nicholas nor Yong were there—nor were Helen or Michelle. Mary felt a bit disappointed; she missed her new friends. But she quickly reminded herself:
— "Why am I being like this? Snap out of it, Mary. You're going to be a great artist. Now's not the time to think about anything else."
With fresh determination, she began a challenging new painting. Around noon, the instructor came over:
— "Mary, you've chosen a difficult style."
— "I know, sir. But I want to challenge myself."
— "You know if you can't pull it off, you might get discouraged?"
— "It's important for me to see whether these years of effort have paid off. I don't want to see myself as a beginner anymore."
The instructor smiled:
— "That's great. Confidence is everything in art. If you believe in yourself, others will too."
— "Thank you, sir. I'm also counting on your help."
— "Of course. Keep going—I'll check in later."
A few hours later, the instructor returned. After closely examining her work, he shared some important tips. As he was leaving, he said:
— "To improve your work, you could get help from some of the former students—Nicholas, Helen, Yong... they're all great."
Mary hesitated:
— "They're busy with their own projects. I'd feel awkward asking for help."
— "Actually, I heard Yong and Nicholas are organizing a group exhibition and are looking for assistance. Since you couldn't join last time, this could be a great chance to show what you can do."
— "They invited me to participate, but I wasn't sure. They're all professionals…"
— "Then you should be one too. With the piece you're working on, you're on their level."
— "I'll do my best."
— "Then I'll ask Nicholas to help you."
Mary quickly responded:
— "No, sir. I don't want to lose focus."
— "Alright. I'll ask Yong, then."
Mary sighed in relief:
— "Thank you, sir. Just make sure if he's too busy, I don't want to bother him. I'll keep working on my own if needed."
The instructor called Yong. After a brief conversation, he turned to Mary:
— "Yong said he'll get in touch with you himself. You two can work on the painting together."
Mary smiled:
— "That's perfect. I won't let you down."