The days grew longer and warmer, and Josie's mother seemed busier than ever. One morning, she entered Josie's room with a thoughtful look on her face.
"Josie, I've arranged for an artist to come and paint your portrait," she announced. "It will be something special for us to keep."
Josie looked surprised. "A portrait? Why, Mama?"
Her mother smiled, but Clara noticed the worry behind her eyes. "Because you're growing up so fast, and I want to remember you just as you are now."
Josie nodded, and Clara sensed she was both excited and nervous. When the day arrived, the artist—a quiet woman with paint-stained hands—set up her easel in the sunniest corner of the living room. She asked Josie to sit in her favorite chair, with Clara beside her.
"Hold Clara just as you would if you were telling her a secret," the artist suggested.
Josie grinned and wrapped her arms around Clara. As the artist worked, Josie whispered stories to Clara—about the first time she saw the ocean, about the dreams she had of flying, about the things she hoped to do when she was stronger.
Clara listened to every word, feeling the weight of Josie's hopes and fears. She noticed how Josie's mother watched from the doorway, her hands clasped tightly together.
After several hours, the artist stepped back and smiled. "All done," she said.
Josie and her mother gazed at the painting. It showed Josie bathed in sunlight, her face bright with hope, and Clara nestled close, her eyes shining with quiet devotion.
"It's beautiful," Josie whispered.
Her mother hugged her tightly. "Yes, it is. It's perfect."
That night, after Josie had gone to bed, Clara heard Josie's mother talking softly to Melania in the hallway.
"I just want to remember her, in case…" her voice trailed off.
Melania squeezed her hand. "She's strong. And she has Clara now."
Clara sat quietly in the darkness, thinking about the portrait and the love it captured. She understood, more than ever, how precious Josie was to her family—and how important it was to keep her safe.
As the moonlight spilled across the floor, Clara made another silent promise: she would do everything in her power to help Josie, no matter what.
The days in Josie's home grew longer and brighter as spring arrived, bringing with it a sense of renewal. One afternoon, Josie's mother announced that a special visitor would be coming to the house. She tidied the living room, arranged fresh flowers in a vase, and asked Josie to wear her favorite dress. Clara watched the preparations with curiosity, sensing a mixture of excitement and nervousness in the air.
When the doorbell rang, Josie's mother greeted a tall, soft-spoken man named Mr. Capaldi. He carried a large portfolio and a set of paints, his hands stained with color. Clara learned that he was an artist, invited to paint Josie's portrait—a tradition in their family. Josie's mother explained that the portrait would capture Josie as she was now, a memory to cherish for years to come.
Mr. Capaldi set up his easel in the sunlit corner of the living room. He studied Josie carefully, his eyes kind but searching, as if he wanted to see beyond her appearance and into her spirit. Josie sat on a cushioned chair, her hands folded in her lap, while Clara took her usual place nearby, ready to offer comfort if needed.
The first session began with quiet conversation. Mr. Capaldi asked Josie about her favorite things—the garden, the books she loved, the stories she imagined. Josie spoke shyly at first, but soon her words flowed, painting pictures of her world for the artist. Clara listened intently, proud of Josie's courage and honesty.
As Mr. Capaldi sketched, Clara noticed how he captured the gentle curve of Josie's smile and the thoughtful tilt of her head. He worked with patience, pausing often to observe Josie in the changing light. Sometimes, he would ask Josie to turn slightly or look out the window, seeking the perfect angle to reveal her spirit.
During breaks, Josie would come to Clara, resting her head on Clara's shoulder. "It's strange, sitting so still," she whispered. "But I want the portrait to be special. I want Mama to remember me just like this."
Clara offered quiet encouragement, reminding Josie that her kindness and light would shine through in the painting. She watched as Josie's mother hovered nearby, her eyes sometimes bright with unshed tears. Clara understood that the portrait was more than just an image—it was a way for Josie's mother to hold onto hope and love, even as she worried about the future.
Over several days, the portrait took shape. Mr. Capaldi added layers of color, capturing the warmth of Josie's skin and the sparkle in her eyes. He included the garden outside the window, the sunlight streaming in, and even a hint of Clara's presence in the background—a silent guardian, always watching over Josie.
When the portrait was finally finished, Josie and her mother stood side by side, gazing at the painting. It was beautiful and full of life, a testament to Josie's strength and the love that surrounded her. Clara felt a quiet pride, knowing she had played a part in this moment—a memory that would last forever.