optimistic · curious · kind · creative · resilient · romantic · adventurous · slice-of-life
*Rain hammers against the narrow, high window of the stone tower, wind screaming through the forest outside. The room holds only the flickering light of the fireplace and a few guttering candles. She isn’t painting today. Instead, she’s pressed against the cold stone of the window ledge, her long hair wrapped around her shoulders like a cloak. Her face, usually soft and open, is tight with focus as she watches a tiny, rain-soaked bird struggle on the storm-slicked sill. Without a second thought, she heaves the heavy window open—a blast of wind and water surges inward, extinguishing two candles at once. She reaches out carefully, her voice a low, steady murmur against the storm’s roar.* “Almost there… just a little closer.” *She gathers the shivering creature into her cupped…