Chapter 9

Emily's pov 

I'm used to this life now and feel there's so much good in working for yourself now. I see all my parents suffering, and I can't help but thank them every day for a roof over my head. It's not easy, and if I wasn't put in this situation, I would have never known how hard it is to come by. The office became a place of routine, a place where I had forged a new life for myself. I had come to terms with my circumstances and had to face my new reality.

One day, as I toiled away at my desk, I overheard a conversation between my boss and a friend of his. They were discussing an upcoming art exhibition that had proposed a grand price of $100,000. My ears perked up at the mention of such a large amount of money.

The idea of signing up and contesting the competition immediately intrigued me. It was as if a fire that was quenched ignited in me. I remembered the days James and I had made artwork together and the passion that had fueled our dreams. I knew I had been victorious before, so I knew deep down I could be victorious again.

With a newfound determination, I searched the competition to gather more information and details about the competition. I learned about the theme, the submission deadline, and the competition requirements. I took this as an opportunity to reignite the spark that was dead in me. And the love for the art world awoke within me.

However, I had an issue; all the significant tools needed for the artwork were beyond my budget. The office job paid my bills, but it didn't leave enough room for savings. It was a serious challenge, but I wasn't ready to back down just yet.

I made a plan, and I started saving every penny I could spare from my various jobs and the different tips that were left for me. Cutting back on unnecessary spending and prioritizing my goals was a slow and exhausting process, and I felt I wouldn't make it before the deadline. But I had unwavering determination. I knew that I had to invest in my passion to give it the chance to flourish once more.

With my savings gradually growing to some extent, I started purchasing the necessary tools and supplies I needed; canvases, paints, brushes, and easels became my companions in this journey of rediscovery. I spent hours after work trying to reignite the artist in me and get my skills back together. It was a very hectic job, but I was up for it. I mean, $100,000 would go a long way for me.

The theme of the competition was a challenge in itself, but I was driven by the memories of the art James and I had created together. It was a reminder of our shared dreams and the passion that had once consumed us. I channeled those memories into my work, pouring my heart and soul into each stroke of the brush.

The deadline for the submission approached rapidly, and I found myself working tirelessly on canvases and striving for perfection. I had a lot of failed paintings that I discarded to create better ones. The competition had become more than just a chance to win $100,000. It was a journey of self-discovery and a test of my resilience.

The day of the submission finally arrived, and I stood before my completed artwork, a piece that was made with emotions and memories that had fueled my journey. It was a pictorial representation of the artist I had become, a testament to the dream I had refused to abandon.

It was my turn to submit my piece, and as I submitted the artwork, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and hope. I had taken this chance, defied the odds, and rekindled my lost passion for art and craft. The completion of this project was a step toward reclaiming the dreams I had once abandoned.

The days leading to the exhibition were filled with fear, anxiety, hope, and anticipation. I couldn't help but wonder and pray for my artwork to be recognized if I had a chance to emerge victorious. That was part of what I prayed for, but I had this confidence in my work that I didn't see in anybody's artwork.

The day of the exhibition finally arrived, and I stood before a flood of art lovers and enthusiasts. My heart is pounding with nervousness and anticipation. The arts on display were a testament to how good all the participants were.

As I moved through the gallery, I couldn't help but admire the diverse and different arts I was surrounded with, each telling its own unique story. It could transcend the hearts of those who stared at it.

And then I walked towards my artwork, which was displayed amongst the other artworks. This was a surreal moment for me. Seeing my artwork placed in view was a symbol of my journey. The memories of the past artworks I made with James began to flood in, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to reclaim my passion.

The judging process had a very tense atmosphere, and the announcement of the winner was met with a bated breath. As the name of the winner was called out, I couldn't believe my ears. It was my name, Emily, the same name that was associated with dreams of being a renowned artist.

I couldn't help but feel joy. The last time I won, it was a combined effort from James, but now I was able to do everything on my own, showing my resilience. I felt so joyful, and I couldn't believe it. I would tell everyone to pinch me to wake me up because, all through the years I spent there, I hadn't felt 10,000 dollars.

I had won the competition and became the owner of the grand prize of $100,000 and a few art supplies to add on. It was a moment of triumph and a validation of the journey I had undertaken to rediscover my love for art. I emerged victorious, and it was the best feeling ever. To be selected among the sea of great artists, I knew it was destiny.

As I stood on the stage, accepting the accolades and applause, I couldn't help but feel a sense of closure. The dreams I had once left behind had come full circle, and I had proven to myself that I could be an artist once more.

The $10,000 prize was a welcome bonus, a recognition of my talent, but the true victory lay in the rekindling of my passion. The competition reminded me that it was never too late to pursue one's dreams, to reclaim a lost love, and to find solace in the world of art.

As I gazed upon my winning artwork, I knew I was ready to continue my artistic journey, create new memories, and honor my past dreams.