AllFreeNovel
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The sight of my sketchbook in his hands sent a ripple of anxiety through me.
I had always been hesitant to show my art to others, my drawings a raw, unfiltered view into the deepest corners of my mind.
“You’re an artist?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I shook my head, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I… I dabble.”
His fingers danced over the worn cover of the sketchbook before glancing at me for permission.
I hesitated for a moment before nodding.
As the pages flipped open, revealing the fantastical amalgamations of humans and animals, I held my breath.
His expression morphed from one of surprise to awe as he took in the bizarre hybrids.
There was the Allurox, a mix of human and the feline-like creature from my home planet.
Its predatory eyes glittered with an eerie intelligence.
Next was the Baldera, part man, part bird-like creature from Lorik’s planet, its feathers a riot of colors that captured every shade of the sunset.
I watched him closely as he examined each one.
His fingers traced the intricate details, his laughter echoing through the room as he stumbled upon the humorous sketches.
My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing the unspoken question.
“Do you like them?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Lorik looked at me, a genuine smile playing on his lips. “I love them, Madison. They’re unique. Just like you.”
His words washed over me, a wave of relief crashing against the shores of my self-doubt.
“Why people as animals?” he asked, turning another page.
I shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “I guess… I guess it’s how I see people and aliens. Animals have their own character, just like us. Combining the two just… makes sense.”
Lorik seemed to consider this, his fingers idly flipping through the pages. “What about me? What kind of animal am I?”
I felt my cheeks flush, averting my gaze to the floor.
I hadn’t sketched Lorik, but knew immediately how I would portray him.
Even if I drew him, I wasn’t sure I could bring myself to show it to him.
It was just too personal, too revealing.
I stayed silent, not ready to share that part of my vision.
I filled the silence with stories.
Tales of how these characters came to life, of their triumphs and downfalls.
Of how I saw the spark in their eyes before they made that life-changing decision.
“My dream is to study art in Aguvvel city,” I said, my eyes shining with untamed hope. “That’s why I ran away from home. That’s why—”
I caught myself before I revealed too much.
