The Girl on the Painting

I couldn't sleep at all! My first night was a freaking disaster. I don't even know if that was a dream! I ended up not staying all night to finish my artwork, I even hid it inside a box. This was so unlike me to stop working just because of some scary encounters.

I sighed heavily while putting my shoes on. I decided to take a walk. I already searched for places I wanted to visit here, and the first one's a park nearby. I didn't bring anything, I just wanted to clear my head.

My eyes sparkled when I saw some artists here at the park. There are plenty of benches for them to sit, and a wide grass field, perfect for sightseeing. There's even a good view of sunrise here.

I should've brought my canvas, other people were busy with their sketchpad, journals, and canvas. It's relaxing to see people with similar interests as mine. I'll bring one next time for sure.

"Good morning, may I sit beside you?" It was an old man carrying a large canvas with him.

"Oh, sure. Go ahead." I smiled at him. "Is that your artwork?" I asked while pointing at the painting. It was an abstract piece.

"No, I bought it there," he pointed at a small store not that far away from the park. But it has a lot of costumers.

"It looks beautiful," I commented, admiring the work.

"I know right? I usually visit here to buy paintings I can display at home."

"Do you live nearby?"

"I'm from Italy, and when I heard about this place, I wanted to visit immediately. I'm not an artist though, I just appreciate artworks a lot. I've been visiting here for a decade," he sounded so genuine which made me smile.

That explains his different accent.

"That's great to hear as an artist myself."

"I'm not surprised you're an artist too, there are thousands of talented people here. You might wanna visit at that store when you're free."

It wasn't in my bucket list, it looks like a vintage store... not an art gallery. Perhaps I'll visit there tomorrow.

"What's your name, kid?" he asked.

"I'm Yohan."

"It's nice meeting you here, Yohan. I'm Rocco," he shook my hand. "I'll get going now, enjoy your stay here."

I watched the sunrise for a few more minutes then walked to the nearest convenience store. It's a good thing this neighborhood has things that I need, like a place to buy groceries, art materials, and restaurants. I bought food including noodles and some snacks, I even bought beers.

The apartment has a small refrigerator, but there's no stove, I should buy an electric stove tomorrow. Oh, and other appliances that I might need.

I paid at the cashier and headed outside the store. The shop that Rocco told me to go to is beside this. I took a quick look outside.

It's name is 'La vendemmia', they're selling paintings, drawings, and other vintage collections. I don't know who owns this place but it looks like it's very popular here.

"I hope there are paintings left, I want to buy one."

"Me too, I've been waiting for this shop to open since last week."

"We should've come earlier, there are too many costumers."

The costumers who were in the line said. I couldn't go inside because of the long line so I decided to go home. I placed the groceries inside the fridge. I took a quick shower and ate noodles.

I grabbed my sketchbook and charcoal pencil, and walked towards the balcony. The view's just another building beside this, but I still liked it here. I actually planned to have a rest day after arriving, so all of my plans will start tomorrow.

I can't help but look at the bright sky and remember what Luke told me yesterday. Should I even feel safe because the sun is up? I shook my head, I think I'm being delusional.

I took a nap and woke up because someone's knocking at my door. If it wasn't for that person, I would've skipped dinner.

"What's up?"

Luke's in front of me, holding a tray with food. It's good for two people.

"Hey, I just woke up. What brings you here?" I asked.

He looked at the food he's holding. "I cooked a lot so I've decided to eat here with you. Is it okay, man?"

"You didn't have to bring me food but sure come in." How kind of him to do this.

He placed the tray on the coffee table and we both sat on the floor. He cooked sweet and sour chicken, and some fried rice with vegetables in it.

"Let's dine in," he said and started eating.

I joined him too. "It's delicious, thank you for this."

"I'm a culinary arts graduate. It's been a while since I had a neighbour in this floor, so I guess this is my welcome gift for you."

"How long have you been here?"

"About two years already? I work full time at a restaurant. How about you, are you planning to live here?"

"I'll stay here for about two months this summer. I'm really interested about this island."

He sipped in his beer. "It's really fascinating... and creepy at the same time. I actually draw during my past time, some friends of mine taught me how to sketch."

"Why do you think it's creepy?" I asked.

The image of the woman flashed inside my head again.

"I don't want to scare you, man. But hey, just don't paint or draw at night," he laughed, not trying to make the atmosphere scary.

I went inside my room to get the painting I halfway finished last night.

"I actually painted last night," I said. His eyes suddenly widened.

"You did what?!"

I sighed and showed him my painting of a lady.

"I saw her beside my reflection."

He almost choked his food and looked at my canvas.

"I drew her last year!"