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I hear footsteps and take my eyes away from my oil painting, glancing over at the door.
"Hey." I smile and continue painting.
"Hey." Michael smiles and walks over to me. "How's it going?"
"Ok." I shrug.
"Ok?" He makes a face as he traces his eyes over the piece of art. "This is amazing!"
I shake my head.
"It could be better."
"Nonsense. You don't even realise how incredibly talented you are."
I show a little smile and glance at him.
"Thank you."
"What made you want to paint a horse?"
"I just like them, I always have." I shrug. "I think they're beautifully majestic, and a lot of horse art is known to symbolise freedom, strength and power, but they can be extremely sensitive and vulnerable creatures too."
It goes silent and I notice Michael doesn't say anything. I look up from the painting and see a big smile on his face which makes me embarrassed and I laugh softly.
"I'm an animal lover, you know that."
"I do." He nods and bites his lip.
It falls silent again and I feel Michael watching me while I try to focus on the painting.
"I thought you had work today?"
"Is that your way of telling me to get out and leave you alone?" He laughs.
"Maybe..." I smirk.
"I'm not working today."
"So, you're gonna watch me and annoy me all day instead?"
"Maybe." He grins and sits down.
"Great." I give him the side eye and giggle.
Silence fills the room again, but I can't really concentrate anymore. From the corner of my eye, I notice Michael fidgeting around, jogging his leg and playing with his hands.
"It's a nice day today." He said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah..."
He seems anxious or something? I can feel he's different. I stop painting and meet his gaze.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah." He nods, looking blankly.
I give him a look and go back to my painting.
"You're acting weird."
"I'm fine." He laughs softly.
"Mmm..." I hum, not believing him.
"Did you want to do anything today?"
"Umm..." I sigh. "I don't know? You seem like there's something on your mind. What did you want to do?"
