Chapter 23 The Painting

• NIA’S POV
• Like some unexplainable forces were at work, the few days I thought I had left to spend with Perry flew by so fast, and the day for her departure came. To avoid getting overly emotional, I had refused to see her off despite the assistant Beta promising to get me a pass outside the packhouse. I decided it would be best if our last moment together were a joyful one. I don't know what I would do if I saw her leave.
• I was standing in the space where her paintings used to be. I inhaled deeply. The new phone she got me to help communicate made me excited. Even though I told her Kingston got me one, Perry insisted I have hers. A painting of the both of us running in the woods was the only painting she left behind. I didn't even know when she was working on it. Perry said it's a reminder of how much color and delight my presence brought to her life in such a short time. I am going to miss her so much.