The face she badly misses

In the world's most famous art museum, a painting titled Beautifully Tragic hung on the wall, captivating everyone who passed by. It was a piece that held deep meaning, stirring powerful emotions in all who viewed it.

The painting depicted a beautifully set yacht, prepared for a romantic evening. Soft lights created a warm, inviting glow around a young woman who sat elegantly at a table adorned with flowers and candles. Across from her, a young man knelt on one knee, holding a small box with a necklace inside. His expression was a mix of nervousness and sincerity as he prepared to offer the gift.

But outside this intimate scene, the painting took a dark turn. A massive, threatening wave loomed in the background, ready to crash over the yacht. The contrast between the tender moment and the impending disaster captured the essence of the painting's title—Beautifully Tragic.

In the lower right corner, a poem was inscribed:

Beautifully Tragic

Just when I thought you'd finally be mine,

God took you away, leaving me behind.

Your absence created a void in my life,

I'm lost where steps disappear, lost in strife.

How can I move when there's no path to see?

Everything around me is dark, blinding me.

I was so close to our joy's highest climb,

But now I've fallen to emptiness, lost in time.

By: Zia_L

As they stood before the painting, Lily couldn't help but comment, "It looks amazing! No wonder you became so famous so quickly. Your paintings are known everywhere now," she said, glancing sideways at Zinnia with a playful smile.

Zinnia gave a small smile but kept her gaze on the painting. "It's hard to believe it's only been two years since I won that competition," she said quietly. "This painting still gets a lot of attention. People come from all over just to see it." She paused before turning to Lily, raising an eyebrow. "And you're still asking for my autograph?"

Lily laughed. "Of course! You're Miss Famous now! But seriously, are you sure this is the last time you'll visit it?"

"Yeah, I'm sure," Zinnia replied with a nod. "I'm heading back home. My parents have been pushing me to come back, and I think it's time."

"What about me?" Lily asked, pointing to herself with a pout.

"What about you?" Zinnia responded, playing along.

"Aren't you going to invite me to come with you? You know I only came here because of that scholarship. Now that I've graduated, I need to go home too."

Zinnia smiled. "Then come back with me. Let's go home together."

Lily's face fell as she shook her head. "You're telling me too late! I already booked a ticket for a vacation in another country. I'll be gone for a month."

Zinnia laughed softly. "You're always one step ahead, huh?"

"Speaking of being ahead," Lily said, her eyes lighting up with curiosity, "how did that date go with the basketball guy?"

Zinnia's smile faded as she rolled her eyes. "Don't remind me! And stop trying to set me up. It didn't work out. I tried, but my heart just isn't in it. I think... I think I'll never marry in this life."

Lily's expression softened. "Zinnia, it's been four years since James… since he was lost. You deserve to find happiness again. Maybe your first love didn't work out, but that doesn't mean you won't find love again. But really, what happened with the basketball guy?"

Zinnia leaned in and whispered, "He had a strong body odor. I almost threw up when I got close to him."

Lily's eyes widened in shock. "What? Oh no! I never got close enough to notice that. His friend just told me he had a crush on you. He's popular for being the MVP, and he's got that whole tall, muscular thing going on. What a waste!"

Zinnia couldn't help but laugh at Lily's exaggerated disappointment. "Where do you even find these guys?"

"You'd be surprised! They're all your admirers, lining up for a chance to date you. But you never gave them the time of day, so I was shocked when you finally agreed to go on some dates before we graduated."

Zinnia sighed, her laughter fading. "You're right. I thought I should give myself a chance, like you always said. I know James wouldn't want me to be sad and alone forever. But... it just didn't work out."

Lily nodded understandingly. "I get it. Not every date is going to be a success, but you should keep trying. You deserve to be happy."

Zinnia shook her head. "I don't know, Lily. The first guy was too much of a nerd—he wouldn't stop talking about science. The second one was fine, smart and good-looking, but I just didn't feel anything. And now, after the basketball guy, I'm convinced I'll never marry."

Lily gave her a sympathetic look. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it's too soon. But don't give up completely, okay? Love has a way of surprising you when you least expect it."

Zinnia smiled faintly, appreciating her friend's support. "Thanks, Lily. But for now, I think I'll focus on going home and finding some peace. If love finds me again, then it finds me. But I'm not going to chase after it anymore."

Lily nodded, wrapping an arm around Zinnia's shoulders. "That sounds like a good plan. And hey, if you ever need a wingwoman, you know who to call."

Zinnia laughed softly, leaning into Lily's comforting embrace. "I'll keep that in mind."

When Zinnia returned home, she hoped for some peace after everything she had gone through. But her parents had other plans. They nagged her constantly about going on dates. She resisted at first, trying to avoid the uncomfortable topic, but they wouldn't let up. Finally, worn down by their persistence, she agreed to go on a blind date.

She wasn't expecting much. In fact, she was certain it would be just like the others—another man she'd feel nothing for, another evening spent thinking about James. She had even rehearsed in her mind the words she would say to this new man: "I will never marry in this life."

But when she saw the man's face, she froze in place, her breath catching in her throat. It couldn't be, but it was. The face she had longed for, the face she had prayed to see even in her dreams, was sitting right in front of her.

James.

Her James.