Kira pushed at my chest, and I stumbled back, shocked. “You’re not listening to me. I’m not just saying that sex is better with you. I’m saying that I feel nothing with other men. Nothing. It’s so frustrating. Everyone else is out finding people that they like or want to take home every weekend, but it takes me three business days’ worth of thinking before deciding if I want to hold someone’s hand. By the time I decide, they’ve moved on.”
She shook her head, but it didn’t stop a few tears from leaking out of her eyes.
“Kira…” I tried to reach out to her, but she held up a hand. “The way you feel and think…all of this? It’s a part of who you are. There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about. I think it’s beautiful.”
She snorted. “You think my intimacy problems are beautiful?”
“What’s beautiful is how much you value the people you let in. You don’t rush things or settle for shallow connections. When you love someone, it’s real. And fuck any guy who can’t appreciate that.”
I tried once more for an embrace, and to my surprise, this time she was quick to accept it. She wrapped her arms around my torso, and I squeezed. “I know it’s not the same, Kira, but I know I’ll never love anyone again the way I’ve loved you.”
I had no idea if that was the right thing to say because it only made Kira dissolve into sobs. We stayed there for a long time, the chill of the evening disappearing around us.
10
LANDON
The last student finally picked up their brushes, clutching a still-drying fingerpaint masterpiece that looked more like an abstract mess than the birds we’d been aiming for. “See you next week, Mr. Landon!” the kid chipped, waving enthusiastically as he left.
“Great job!” I called back, forcing my voice to sound upbeat even though my energy had dwindled with every dropped paintbrush and spilled water cup over the past hour.
Despite that, I felt affection for each kid in the class. I had memorized all their names by now and even started to pick up on all their quirks and passions.
The classroom fell quiet. The fresh coat of white paint on the walls made it feel even more so. But hey, it was better than the vandalism. It had taken a few days of cleaning and painting to return the classroom back to normal after Xavier’s work. Thankfully, a local company offered to replace the broken windows and doors in the front for free.
A crack of thunder interrupted the silence. The rounded stained-glass windows offered muted daylight as the storm started, rain pattering against the glass.
Well, good thing we weren’t in a rush.
Kira collected half-squeezed tubes of paint, paper towels streaked with color, and cups of murky water. “I’ve decided to apply for the art residency you sent me.”
I froze mid-reach for my notebook, caught between surprise and a bloom of pride in my chest.
“Yeah?” I said, watching her climb the stepstool to shelve a fresh stack of sketchbooks.
She nodded, not looking down. “I think it’s time for me to take control of my life and do the things I want to do.”
“I’m happy to hear you say that. You deserve everything you want.”
A faint blush covered her cheeks as she lowered her gaze to the floor. “Thanks. If you’re not in a rush, will you look at the application with me? My laptop is in my bag.”
“Of course.” I slid the laptop out of her backpack and pulled two chairs up to the desk. “Let’s do it, Picasso.”
I may have already looked at the application when I first sent it to Kira weeks ago, but I’d pretend like it was the first time.
She collapsed into the chair next to me. Her dark hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, a few strands framing her face. She wore one of those oversized sweaters with holes for thumbs, and her glasses perched slightly on her nose.
Kira didn’t often wear her glasses, choosing instead to wear contacts. But I always thought her glasses were cute.
“Okay, let’s start with the basics of the residency,” I said, suppressing a grin when Kira started taking notes on her phone. “The Chicago Echo Studio is now accepting applications for its upcoming residency program, beginning at the start of the following year. This three-month immersive experience is designed for emerging and mid-career artists looking to refine their craft and expand their creative boundaries. The program focuses on collaborative projects, experimental techniques, mentorship from established artists, and public exhibitions.Residents will have access to private studio space, workshops, and networking opportunities with curators and gallery owners. At the end of the residency, participants will showcase their work in a curated exhibition, with select pieces considered for acquisition by partnering galleries.”
I glanced at Kira. No problems so far.
I continued, “Now for the application. They want three art samples: one painting, one drawing, and one mixed-media piece. Each work should center on the theme of identity. You also have to include a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation.”
The details of the program went on for pages, so I summarized out loud. “Looks like as part of the program, you’ll experiment with new mediums, explore art movements, and produce three pieces for the final auction. Graduates will be eligible for full-time employment with the Chicago Echo Studio.”
Kira’s eyes grew childlike as she read the webpage alongside me. “Does it say the deadline?”
