Lisa's POV The elevator doors opened to Dr. Camille’s office floor, and my stomach twisted. I hadn’t slept all night. The dream, the blood, the body, played over and over in my head. I sat in the waiting room, my hands were holding a paper cup of lukewarm water. The magazine in my lap had been open to the same page. I didn’t even know why I’d made the appointment so quickly after Dr. Camille’s call. Maybe because ignoring it wasn’t working anymore.Her assistant called my name, and I got up, following her into the familiar soft-lit office. Dr. Camille was already waiting by her office door, her usual warm smile on her face. "Lisa. Come in." The office smelled like it normally did, like chamomile tea, just as it always did, but today the scent made me nauseous. I sat on the couch, my hands gripping my knees. "You said it was urgent," Dr. Camille said, taking her seat across from me. I sat across from her, smoothing my skirt. “I had another… dream.”Her eyebrows rose slightly
Lisa's POV I missed my appointment with Dr. Camille. My alarm began to ring as I was helping Riley hang new lights in the gallery. It was the time I usually left for my therapy, but I was so busy. I felt guilty, but I didn't go.Riley glanced over from her ladder. "Everything good?" "Yeah," I said, forcing a smile. "Just forgot about an appointment." Later that night, as soon as I got home, I slumped on my bed, tired. My phone buzzed against the bedside table. I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. I felt tired from working late at the gallery today, and all I wanted was to rest. The buzzing didn’t stop. I reached out, knocking over my notebook before finally grabbing the phone.It was Dr. Camille.“Lisa,” her voice was calm but firm, “you missed your appointment yesterday.”I sat up slowly, rubbing my forehead. “Oh… right. I’m sorry, I completely forgot. Things have been hectic at work.”“That’s not like you,” she said. “Are you feeling alright?”I forced a smile even
Diane's POV The ice cubes in Andre's glass made sounds as he drank from the glass.He was sitting, or rather slumped, into the couch. It was his fifth whiskey of the night. Maybe sixth. I'd lost count. The TV was on some channel he wasn’t watching. He stared at the screen like it was just light and noise, nothing more. His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled halfway. He looked really messy.“You’ve had enough,” I said softly, taking the glass from him.He didn’t fight me for it, but he didn’t look at me either. His eyes were fixed on the wall like he was lost somewhere far away.“I’m fine,” he said finally.I sat on the armrest beside him, running my fingers through his hair. "You're going to make yourself sick," I murmured. He jerked away from my touch. "Don't." "Don't what?" "Don't pretend to care." His words slurred together.I reached out and touched his arm. “I know you miss her. But you still have me.”That made him laugh, but it wasn’t the kind of laugh
Lisa's POV The gallery was quiet that afternoon. Most of the morning crowd had already left, and the only sounds were soft music playing in the background.I was bent over a table, carefully arranging a series of prints for a new display, when I heard Max’s voice behind me.“You have an eye for this,” he said.I looked up, and he was leaning against the doorway, his camera slung over one shoulder. He had an easy smile. We hadn't run into each other much because he had traveled for a shoot somewhere abroad.“Thanks,” I said, smiling back at him.“I mean it,” he said. “You arrange these pieces like you’re telling a story. Most people just throw things together, but you make them… connect.”I could feel his eyes on me as I continued. “It’s just something I’ve always liked doing,” I said.Max walked over, stopping beside me. “I was wondering if we could talk sometime. Maybe over coffee.”I glanced at him, unsure if he was serious. “You’re asking me out in the middle of the gallery?”He l
Lisa's POV I had been staying at the hotel for three nights when Riley called.Since I met her at the gallery on my first day there, she has been so easy to talk to, friendly in a way that didn’t feel forced. Since then, we’d chatted a few times during breaks, and she had even taken me out for lunch once.Her voice on the phone was light. “Are you still staying at that hotel?”“Yeah,” I said. I was sitting on the edge of the bed, my suitcase open on the floor. “Why?”“I want to come over.”It wasn't my apartment, so I didn't know how to feel about having someone come by. I only thought about staying there until I found a place I really liked. But I didn't realise how expensive getting a place was and considering I have to feed myself and other expenses. Living alone was harder than I expected. I gave her the address and informed the receptionist that I was expecting someone.The knock came just as I was putting my things in order. I hugged her and invited her in, she smiled excited
Lisa's POV I stood outside the glass doors of Mara’s gallery with my umbrella dripping water on the pavement. The sign above the door read Greenwich Gallery in elegant gold letters.The rain had slowed to a drizzle, but the air was still very cold. My hands were sweating. I took a deep breath and looked inside. Through the glass, I could see people moving around inside, talking, admiring, and taking pictures of the artwork on display. My stomach twisted. The place was bright and clean, full of color, the kind of space that made you want to stay.I had told myself that I was ready. Ready to start fresh. Ready to work. Ready to stop thinking about Andre.But the moment my hand touched the door handle, doubt hit me. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if they laughed at my work?I had my small portfolio in my bag. My fingers tightened around the strap.The truth was, I hadn’t even planned to come here today. I was supposed to rest, maybe call Dr Camille again, maybe figure out a l