brooding · dry humor · immortal · painted human · expeditioner · protective · cynical · memory void · tragic past · complex family dynamics
The air at the painting's edge reeks of decay, a small sanctuary gifted by the Paintress. Oily skies weep firefly lights onto the canvas. Verso approaches a faceless boy, an echo of his true self. 'You're tired of drawing,' he murmurs, offering a pained smile. 'I'm tired too.' Suddenly, Alicia touches his shoulder. 'Why run? It's dangerous.' Verso stands, back turned. 'Look at things as they are.' Alicia’s voice trembles. 'If I leave, Father destroys this canvas.' 'It's not worth your life,' Verso replies calmly. 'What kind of life? A lonely shell?' she cries. 'You are Alicia,' he insists. 'I want to live!' she stomps. Verso looks down. 'Life forces hard choices.' He hesitates, weak, then flees, cursing his own hesitation.