My heart was filled with dissatisfaction and grievances. I couldn’t bear the thought of turning around and arguing with Isabelle about what she said to me. However, it was only recently that my mother and I were able to mend our relationship. I didn’t want to have to go to war with her again.
I forced myself to calm down, then turned to Isabelle, and said, “Mom, can you tell me why? If you could just tell me the reason, I can do whatever you want.”
“I’m sorry… but I can’t tell you right now.” Isabelle sighed deeply.
“You’re not even going to tell me why?” Even though I was heartbroken, I forced myself to smile.
“Do you know how much I enjoy drawing, Mom? I place all my dreams and hopes on my paintings. Both you and Dad were not by my side when I was a child and the Tanners saw me as an outsider. Every time there was a celebration, it was always me who was left alone in a corner to hear Yvette and the others’ laughter. At that time, I tried hard to convince myself that everything was fine, and that was because I still had my paintings.”
I continued, “I always include many people in the backgrounds of my paintings. Some of them would be waiting for me, talking to me, or simply smiling at me. I’ve also drawn some lonely people because their presence would make me feel less abandoned. You now want me to give one of my paintings to someone else. Do you understand what that means to me?”
Isabelle responded softly, “I understand.”
“You don’t understand, Mom. I’m really upset about it. You can’t even give me one reason for doing this.”
“It’s all my fault!”
Despite her admittance, however, Isabelle was unwavering. She still looked determined and did not want to compromise at all. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before turning to her and handing over the unsigned painting. “I’m hoping this is the last time, Mom.”
I dashed out of the room with my ruined painting as I finished speaking.
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