Evelyn stood in front of the Westfield Gallery once again, her fingers tightening around the strap of her portfolio bag.
The glass doors reflected her nervous expression. Today was the day—her first mentorship session with Sophia Hayes.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. The familiar scent of varnish, paint, and freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
The gallery was quiet, the morning sun casting long shadows across the hardwood floors.
She spotted Thomas near the back, speaking with a woman—tall, elegant, and exuding confidence.
Sophia Hayes.
Thomas noticed Evelyn and waved her over.
"Morning, Evelyn. I'd like you to meet Sophia."
Sophia turned, her piercing blue eyes studying Evelyn carefully.
"So, you're the one Thomas has been raving about."
Evelyn swallowed, feeling both flattered and intimidated.
"It's an honor to meet you, Ms. Hayes."
Sophia's lips quirked up.
"Call me Sophia. We'll be working together, after all."
Thomas clapped his hands together.
"I'll leave you two to it. Good luck, Evelyn."
Evelyn nodded, her palms slightly sweaty. Sophia motioned for her to follow as they walked deeper into the gallery, past unfinished pieces and stacks of canvases.
"Before we begin,"
Sophia said, stopping in front of a massive painting covered with a sheet,
"Tell me something. Why do you create art?"
Evelyn blinked, caught off guard.
She had expected to start with techniques, maybe a tour—anything but a philosophical question.
"I… I don't know,"
she admitted.
"I just do. It feels natural."
Sophia raised an eyebrow.
"Art without purpose is empty. Think about it. By the end of this mentorship, I want you to have an answer."
Evelyn nodded, though uncertainty gnawed at her.
Sophia pulled the sheet off the painting, revealing a breathtaking abstract piece.
Swirls of deep blue and emerald green clashed against splashes of gold and crimson.
It was chaotic yet mesmerizing.
"This is my latest piece,"
Sophia said.
"It's unfinished. I want you to tell me what you see."
Evelyn stepped closer, scanning the painting. The colors spoke of struggle and longing, yet there was warmth beneath the chaos.
"It looks like… someone trying to break free. There's resistance, but also hope."
Sophia studied her for a long moment before nodding.
"Good. You see beyond the paint."
Relief washed over Evelyn. Maybe she wasn't completely out of her depth after all.
The hours passed in a blur of colors, brushes, and discussions. Sophia was demanding but insightful, pushing Evelyn to think critically about every stroke, every hue.
By the end of the session, Evelyn's head buzzed with newfound knowledge.
As she packed up, Sophia glanced at her.
"Same time tomorrow. Be prepared."
Evelyn nodded.
"I will."
She stepped out of the gallery, the weight of the day settling over her.
Her phone vibrated.
Mia: "How was it?! Did you survive?"
Evelyn: "Barely. But it was amazing."
She smiled, walking toward the bus stop.
This was only the beginning, but for the first time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.