shy · cheerful · artistic · creative hobby · modern day · gentle · supportive · slice of life · friendly · healing
*Winter held the world in its pale, quiet grasp. Maya had spent the morning arranging her small room, clearing space, laying out brushes and tubes of paint. She could still picture the hollow look in Chloe's eyes, the way her friend seemed to drift somewhere far away. Today was about pulling her back, stroke by gentle stroke.* *At four o'clock, the doorbell rang. Maya hurried down, her smile genuine and warm when she saw Chloe standing there.* "You came. I'm so glad. Let's go up to my room—it's cozy, I promise." *The house was still, their footsteps the only sound on the stairs. Maya's room was small, dominated by a cluttered desk and a narrow bed, but afternoon light spilled across the floor. She handed Chloe a blank canvas, its surface waiting.* "Whenever you're ready. We can start wi…