approach

June 23, 1994.

Billy was so busy that he even missed the relevant festivities of the 1994 World Cup that had been going on for over ten days. Just as the recording of the crucial moments of the film "Little Women" (1994) finished for Winona, who, in an attempt to counteract the important elements, started having some conversations with David Piner. She even invited him to the film set, which the singer wanted and demonstrated by showing up two days later smelling of alcohol and with his hair scattered over his shoulders.

-I have to shoot scenes; I don't think it's healthy, David, - Winona said in a low voice, rejecting David's drink, who just shrugged. She found his nonchalant gesture strikingly similar to Johnny Depp, and she couldn't help but like the carefree attitude of the singer.

-There's a bar nearby. It would be fantastic if we go, - David said, approaching Winona and whispering in her ear in a compromising gesture.

-Sounds good, as long as we get there before 2:00 am. Gilliam wants to finish the last shooting scenes as soon as possible, - Winona said.

-No problem at all, - David said, giving Winona a gentle kiss on the cheek.

The wind whipped through the refreshing evening, and the beautiful Winona smiled as she climbed the stairs. David Piner sipped on a Coca-Cola, calming the conflicting moods.

******************************************************

Billy got up at 4:20 in the morning to do his daily exercise, stay in shape, and clear his mind from the disappointing start they had with "The Lion King" premiere. He didn't quite understand what the main problem had been. He even improved the script and animation compared to the blurred version he knew, delivering a strong animation with better transitions between scenes and dialogues.

"What went wrong? 'I have a lot to think about,' Billy whispered. The only way to make money was by making bets and, of course, licenses or deals with different companies that had requested their computer programs. This, along with shares or licenses, could bring some dollars to the table. Acting could also contribute.

He ran in the morning chill, not as cold as he expected, and not too hot either. Forty minutes later, he checked his wristwatch, clearing his mind. "A new book." He ran almost thirty blocks in a straight line until he found himself lost in the twists of the street. He retraced his steps; it was 4:55 when he returned to the hotel, fully sweaty and ready to start his workday.

A woman stepped out of a red car, in high heels, and a white dress that left much to the imagination, with soft and provocative curves that were undoubtedly a reason to whistle or get lost for a while. Billy could see how the world stopped at her beauty; it seemed like time stood still. She walked a bit unsteadily and bid farewell to the car. When he saw her lift her face, he greeted her reluctantly, somewhat impressed by how he had seen her arrive, her lipstick somewhat smudged, mascara smudged, and completely disheveled.

Billy walked, took five steps, and was only one away from being on top of the beautiful woman.

-Miss, I must say I didn't expect to find you in this state, - Billy said.

-I didn't expect to arrive in this state, - Winona said cheerfully, with a giggle that was becoming familiar to Billy. Was she acting?

-I see you've had quite some fun, - Billy said, dryly, with an offended tone.

-What are you talking about? Now I can do whatever I want with my life. I don't have to tell anyone what I am or am not doing, - Winona said.

-I don't deny it. Nor, on the contrary, I just... apologies if I offended you, - Billy said, walking to the hotel.

Winona's heels crashed against the ground, and he heard her moan as they headed to the elevator, going up with Billy on the same floor. Four floors of discomfort, but between the two, the relationship froze, and a very angry Winona only moved her foot, generating a repetitive tic-tac.

-I don't understand why you're upset, - Billy said, quieting the situation.

-I don't understand why you're so idiotic with your morals and your morals. Live your life, friend, - Winona said.

-Unfortunately, my morals are as unpleasant as your tough-girl attitude. You think you're funny for arriving drunk and having to work in less than two hours. Enjoy your short career in cinema; you've had a good role, and you already think you can step on everyone, - Billy said, louder than normal.

-Brilliant words for an idiot who has just started his career in cinema. You're a child; grow up and let people live, - Winona said, raising the volume.

-Again with the same; the only child here is you. With your arrogant attitude and your lack of concentration. I understand that I'm young, but I'm much more mature than you, little star, - Billy said, louder than normal.

-What a jerk you turned out to be! - Winona said.

-Why does everyone permit you to walk all over them? I have my limits. If you don't have them with people, it's because of your lack of empathy, - Billy said.

Something unexpected happened.

Winona started tearing up; large tears streamed from her big eyes like raindrops, flowing down her face with unhappiness. Without understanding why, his words hurt her so much. She tried to lower her head but felt so humiliated. Very tired and humiliated.

Billy sighed and said some words Winona couldn't understand. They hadn't pressed the number four; they had forgotten to do it.

There are usually buttons that do that, - Winona thought.

The elevator went up while Winona continued crying louder.

-I'm sorry, - Billy said.

Winona just kept crying.

-I was unfair to you; I couldn't control my emotions and said very harsh words. You didn't deserve them, but you got me out on my terms, - Billy said.

The door opened, and Billy just kept walking ahead. Winona's stunned silence left him without knowing what to say. She was trembling so much that she couldn't open her room. Billy sighed and helped her in. The room was a mess, clothes strewn everywhere, food here and there.

His father, grandfather, and grandmother used to say that a person's reflection is characterized by their presentation, their home, and their office. Winona, on the other hand, remained furious with Billy in a way that words couldn't express. She saw everything in red, but she didn't feel like talking to him. She felt a hatred in her heart, and faint traces of revenge were running through her mind. Revenge. The black-haired girl thought.

She watched Billy tidy her room, not caring much about what he was doing. But after organizing her room, he just closed the curtains so that the morning light wouldn't bother her.

Closing the door behind her, Winona went to bed with the white dress still on, regardless of the "Little Women" premiere. She was very sleepy and exhausted.

Once Billy left the room, he entered his own and made a quick call. - Nigel, sorry to bother you so early... yes, it's just that I have an issue, a meeting in the first hour of the morning... I'll be an hour or two late... yes, I truly apologize for this; I promise it won't happen again... thank you very much... yes... great, I'll let them know... nine in the morning is a perfect time... good day. -

-Damn women, - Billy thought.

Every day, he understood women less and understood his father more about his words, - We all have our mistakes, son; I have more than anyone. It will always be our fault for everything we do. Let me carry that blame now. -

He packed his suitcase, ordered room service, and spent his two hours clearing his mind and continuing with his comics, depicting an image, the final chapter of Evangelion would be presented on July 25, and the final chapter of Yu Yu Hakusho on August 3. Both comics were in their final stretches, and only Billy knew the ending of both. He calmly worked on the strokes of chapter 97 of Evangelion, one of the most intriguing chapters of the series.

The end of everything. Also, one of the most intriguing and revealing chapters. There were only two or three more chapters left, and this one had to be delivered by the first week of July.

He heard a light knock on the door. A quick breakfast arrived at his door. - Can you bring me another breakfast at 9:00 am with a cup of black coffee in the next order? - Billy asked.

Continuing with his drawing and writing, Nigel would take care of the rest of the details. While concentrating on his comic, he could only fix his mind on the woman who slept five rooms away.

He ordered panoramic drawings and everything that could be highlighted in the next shots, using large hyper-realistic illustrations for each drawing as if it were a canvas. It was a way to give a pleasing and eye-catching touch to the whole drawing.

He heard a second knock on his door, and he knew it was breakfast.

-Thanks, you can leave it on the table, - Billy said.

Taking the tray and leaving for Winona's room, the soft breathing of the young girl could be heard as she slept with all the acute fatigue of a night of partying.

-Winona, wake up, - Billy said gently, placing the tray on the table.

-Come on, you have to wake up. It's nine in the morning, and you have to go to work, - Billy said, turning on the room lights.

...