His thumb slipped and the video started again, the focus shifting from her to a sheet of white paper surrounded by cups of markers, pencils, and pens. He picked up his coffee and watched as she announced that today’s animal was her favorite: a cow. Then she started to draw.
For the next twenty minutes, Hunter drank coffee, inhaled his waffle and bacon, and watched as Britt transformed a plain sheet of paper into an incredibly lifelike, detailed, and, oddly enough, colorful drawing of a cow’s face. She worked fast and with skill, explaining everything as she went along. She did speed up the video in some places, but mostly it was all done in real time. Before he knew it, she was finished, and the focus was on her again.
“I hope y’all learned a few things today,” she said, awkward smile back in place. “I’d love to hear about your favorite farm animal and the art projects you’re working on. Until next time.” She gave a little wave and turned off the camera.
He shut off the phone as Enid came over and handed him the check. He pulled out his wallet and gave her the cash. “Keep the change,” he said, sliding out of the booth.
“Thanks.” She looked him up and down. “Come back any time.”
He gave her a quick, noncommittal nod, headed out the door, hopped on his bike, and sped off. When he reached his apartment building, he went upstairs and then inside. With nothing else to do, he headed to his bedroom, stripped down for bed, and turned off the light.
He lay on his back. Flipped onto his side. Tried lying on his stomach. Counted sheep. Counted sheep backward. Then gave up and grabbed his phone off the nightstand. Almost one in the morning.
After nearly running into Sawyer with the forklift, he couldn’t afford another fidgety night. He started to put the phone back. Changed his mind. Turned it on and went straight to YouTube... andBritt Draws Everything.He turned up the volume, hit Play, and set it back on the nightstand. Then he closed his eyes.
“Before I start with today’s beachscape, I wanted to say a fewwords to those of you who are interested in drawing but haven’t picked up your paintbrush or pen yet. It’s okay to be afraid to try something new, or to come out of your comfort zone.”
His eyes opened, then closed again. Her voice was so relaxing, he felt himself melt into his mattress.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about that myself. I’ve had a big change in my life recently, and I’m starting to rethink some things. Don’t worry. I’m not giving up my channel. It’s not going anywhere, and neither am I.”
His breathing slowed.
“But have you ever come to a point in your life where you know you need to do something different or you need a change, and you’re... scared?”
His eyes fluttered. She sounded different from her other videos. He wasn’t sure why...
“Just know I understand. I also understand how hard it can be to make that change. It’s easy to keep doing the same things, falling into the same patterns. It’s safe. And we all like to play it safe, right?”
Safe.He rolled on his side, away from the phone.
“So maybe you can start with something small. Like drawing, and showing people your art. Or doing whatever it is you’re interested in. Maybe it’s a new job you’re thinking about applying for, or possibly going out on your first date...”
Hunter half snored, half snorted.
“If you’re thinking about doing something daring or new, don’t overthink it. Just do it.” She cleared her throat. “Now, on to today’s lesson.”
***
“Hunter!”
Pounding sounded in the distance. Hunter hugged his pillow. “Mmph.” Then the door flew open. Light poured in as Sawyer burst through.
“Hey!” He shielded his eyes with his arm. “What the—”
“I’ve been banging on your door for five minutes.” Sawyer flipped on the light switch, then walked to the bed and peered at him. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.” He sat up, scrubbing a hand over his face.
“You sure?” Sawyer’s gaze darted around the room.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” He grabbed his phone. “What time is— Oh no.” He scrambled out of bed, then noticed Sawyer was not-so-secretly opening the top drawer of his dresser. Hunter bumped him away with his shoulder. “You won’t find anything there.”
Sawyer stopped his snooping but didn’t look convinced.
Hunter yanked a short-sleeved yellow uniform shirt out of his drawer. “I overslept.” And had the best night’s sleep he’d had in a long time. He didn’t even remember drifting off. “That’s all. I’ll meet you at work.”
“I can wait for you,” Sawyer said.
