And when people told her they’d look cute in similar clothes, she said that she wasn’t ready to sacrifice their sense of identity just so everyone would think they were cute.
“I guess I didn’t think it was good enough,” Glyn says. “Bran wasn’t supposed to show you this.”
“He didn’t. I actually snuck into your art studio. I know, I know. I shouldn’t have, but you haven’t shown me anything for almost a year.” She tightens her fingers on our daughter’s shoulder. “And this isn’t only good enough, it’s an emotive masterpiece. The first time I saw it, I had tears in my eyes from the flow of emotions.”
“R-really?”
“Have I ever lied to you?”
“Thanks.” Her voice shakes. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”
“Not everyone is going to like what you put out and that’s okay, Glyn. Just tune out other people’s opinions and only focus on your art. That’s if you still want to continue down this path.”
“Of course, I do.”
“You always expressed yourself the best with a brush in hand and a wicked grin on your lips.”
Glyn chuckles, then hugs her mother. “Thanks, Mum, really. For everything.”
Astrid pats her back with a loving expression on her face. “Does that mean you’ll show me your creations from now on?”
“I will.”
“Good. Now, tell me what you were thinking about when you did this one?”
Glyn smiles sheepishly. “A beautiful nightmare.”
“I like that.”
“Me, too.”
“Also, I spoke to Professor Skies since Landon told me he’s giving you a hard time.”
“Lan did?”
“Yeah,” Astrid says slowly. “But the weird thing is, Professor Skies said he already got a visit from some masked man who threatened him that if he continues to bother you, he better start counting his days. Be honest with me. Do you think that was Lan?”
Glyn releases a breath and shakes her head. “And here I was wondering why he suddenly changed his attitude toward me. He even praised my painting in front of the whole class, which is something he’s never done before. Now I know it’s all because of the threat, and no, Mum, I don’t think it was Lan.”
“Oh, okay. If your oldest brother causes any trouble, you’ll let me know, right?”
“No, Mum, I’m sorry, but I won’t. And neither will Bran, actually. Lan is a big boy. He can handle himself without you monitoring him.”
“Glyndon! Where did you learn the habit of talking back?”
“I just…feel better when I say everything out loud instead of burying it inside.”
My wife smiles. “Well, it’s about time. I’m proud of you, baby. And I’m so happy you found someone who understands and loves you the way you are.”
A faint blush covers her cheeks. “You think Killian loves me?”
“Loves you? No, it’s more than that. He looks like he’s ready to wreak havoc for you, and believe me when I say that type of love is rare to find.”
“You think?”
“I’m sure.”
“That would be one of us.” I choose this moment to stroll inside and then wrap a hand around my wife’s waist.