chapter 118 - emotional canvas

Stella

I awoke before dawn, Lawrence's warmth still wrapped securely around me. But my mind already buzzed with creative ideas after our passionate night together.

Careful not to disturb him, I slipped from bed to capture the sudden inspiration striking me about the plight of abandoned animals, recalling dear Fluffy's own origins.

Settling cross-legged before my easel as rosy light crept across the skyline, I traced out the basic image taking shape in my mind's eye - a small defenceless kitten left utterly alone and afraid in a dingy back alley, emerald eyes enormous with sorrowful longing for the comfort and affection denied it by fate's cold indifference.

My brushstrokes built up texture and depth gradually, backgrounds fading into gloomy abstraction while the central feline form remained detailed, fur matted and ribs visible from deprivation.

Yet still its expression conveyed hopeful innocence, trusting some kindly soul might still chance by to save it from cruel isolation.

The j