Back in his studio, Samuel was replaying the day's events when his mother's voice once again invaded his artistic sanctuary.
"Samuel, I swear, you never call! What have you been up to?"
"Mom, I went to the Museum, okay? And I actually met… well, remember Flora? The girl I used to talk about? I met her today."
"Flora? Oh, that sweet child! After painting you all those times, she needs to meet me now!"
Samuel hesitated. "It's… complicated, Mom. We just reconnected. I'm still trying to… figure things out."
His mother's voice softened. "You always were a slow mover, dear. Just don't let this one get away."
Samuel sighed. It wasn't that simple. Flora clearly saw him as just a friend, a connection to the past. He knew he had an uphill battle ahead of him if he wanted to change that.
That hope sparked in his chest. But he knew this would be a long and difficult journey with her.