Do you remember that day, dear? It has been eleven years since you appeared on this street. The shock was enormous, but you survived, unlike your poor mother. I still feel sorry for that dear woman. My heart breaks when I think of her.

The elderly woman felt the need to share her feelings with the girl who had appeared so many years ago. She looked terrible at the time, but turned out to be very good at reading. How could she not have taken in that desperate mother with her child, hungry and far from home?

I am proud of what you have achieved, she continued. You have become such a lovely lady, and when I look at this neighbourhood, I feel that you are destined for a better world than this, or at least a better place... The woman paused and looked at the grown girl who was listening to her attentively, as she always had done.

Don't you think you should spread your wings and fly away to a warmer, more colourful destination?
I've seen your drawings, the paintings you've done. You have talent. That shouldn't be wasted by spending the rest of your life in this depressing neighbourhood.
When you're ready, let me know. I'll help you on your way.

The young woman wanted to say something, but the older woman silenced her with a single gesture before lifting the heavy water jug. Don't worry, I'll be fine, and so will you.

Slowly, she walked away from the girl who had grown into a beautiful, talented young woman. A talent that the world should notice and not be left to gather dust in a remote corner of the world.

8.1.26 - correction





8.1.26 - corrections + more details





7.1.26 -sketch + background colours

_{Painter: Elin Kleopatra Davielson-Gambogi
Painting: Two women (1905) - public domain
8-1-2026
The contest is hosted by @solperez
Pastel painting:
Sketch: Faber Castell - Pitt pastel pencils
Underlayer painting - Rembrandt soft pastels artists - dry wash - trying out some new technics. No idea where this will end.}