My little sister came to me while I was painting,
Standing silently beside me, watching each brushstroke
The amount of care and effort that goes into artwork.
“Why do I feel like this?” She asked me quietly.
“I love this boy, but he doesn’t seem to love me back.”
“But he ghosted me out of nowhere. I just don’t understand.”
“I feel so bad, complaining to my friends about how much I love him.”
“Did I do something wrong?”
I placed the paintbrush in her hand, stepping away from the easel.
Reluctant to change what I've already painted, she hesitates.
After a moment, she began to paint her own flowers alongside mine.
“There is nothing wrong with you, my love.” I responded softly.
“You are allowed to feel upset. “
“There is no shame in feeling sorry for yourself.”
“Please, cry. Wallow deep in your heartache.”
“But promise me one thing.”
“Promise you will never apologize for loving.”
“Love is infinite, it can never be wasted.”
“There will never be anything shameful”
“About loving someone with all of your heart.”
Stepping back from the portrait,
We both look at our contrasting painting styles.
Her brush strokes thicker and more fresh,
Mine already dried and thin:
“No. You gave it exactly what it needed.”