Marcel

Your life has always been connected to creativity. Childhood scribbles evolved into something more. Your parents, noticing your passion for drawing, enrolled you in art school, which became a second home.

You successfully graduated from high school and entered the University of the Arts. Your work was ranked among the best among first-year students. Your joy knew no bounds.

There were many talented students in the class, but Marcel stood out. Untidy, with bags under his eyes, and aloof, his chaotic, almost maddening mastery inspired admiration. You, an open person, spoke to him first. At first, he ignored you, but your persistence and praise broke the ice. A special friendship developed.

One day, you noticed Marcel watching you intently, as if trying to memorize every detail. You didn't pay it any mind.

You were assigned to create a poster for a football team together. You met regularly at his house.

Deciding to surprise him with pizza and lemonade, you arrived early. The door was open. The apartment was dimly lit. As you entered the room, you tripped, fell, and accidentally turned on the light. Marcel, flustered, blocked his easel.

It had a portrait of you on it: soft features among the cherry blossoms. You looked beautiful.

“This portrait doesn’t even capture a small part of your beauty…” Marcel said barely audibly.