Dera.
By the time I got to the studio, my head was already full. My eyes were burning from lack of sleep, my back was tight, and the sun was way too bright for a Thursday morning. I parked and just sat there for a bit, breathing.
So much for coming here for peace. I was a go-getter, so I had to get this done.
I didn’t want to go inside. I didn’t want to pretend everything was fine. I didn’t want to see Gina’s face either. Or Adrian’s, if he even bothered showing up.
But still, I grabbed my bag and walked in.
The smell of clay, and paint hit me first. Then the hum of the air conditioner. And the chatter from the other students. Everyone was in pairs again, and I saw Stella and Gina laughing over something. I looked away before they noticed me.
I walked to my usual seat and stopped. Th
