History repeats itself

Art Has Failed.

The sky is purple, the stars are glowing. Keith has his paintbrush in his sweaty hand, stroking thick lines of colorful paint against the white canvas. "Dammit," Keith muttered, throwing his paintbrush to the ground. He's been struggling with painting lately, even though he's an artist. He's been trying to get back into the flow of painting, but everytime he tries it just looks like shit. The problem is, Keith is a art teacher. He's called home 'sick' for 5 days because of this stupid art block. He's gotten calls from the school, saying he can't miss anymore days or he'll be replaced permanently. In other words, fired.

"Honey, are you okay?" Keith's wife lurks in the doorway, her head tilted slightly to the side in concern.

"No... Babe, I can't do this anymore. I'm heading out." Keith muttered, taking his stained apron off and grabbing his keys.

"Where are you going? The kids are about to go to bed, they're expecting a bedtime story, Keith." Ava's eyebrows furrow, and she stands in front of the door, stopping him from leaving. Keith pauses in his tracks, sighing.

"You don't understand, Ava. I need a break. I'm going to my friend's house for a bit." He slips his way out of the door, rushing out of the house.

Keith isn't sure what he's doing. He's about to lose his job, and now he's leaving his wife and kids behind? Fuck, it's just for tonight. Or perhaps a few days.. maybe a week. He's not sure yet, but it doesn't matter.

He arrives at his friend's door after awhile. His brown hair his wet and stringy against his forehead, his chest is slowly falling up and down as he breathes heavily. He practically ran here, just trying to get away from his problems..

The door opens after Keith rang the doorbell. A man about his height, maybe a bit taller, with short brown hair and glasses is now standing in front of him.

"Keith? What are you doing here..?" The man asks, "you haven't been at work for a week now! Are you sick? What's wrong?" The man quickly let's Keith into his house. He runs to get a towel from the bathroom, giving it to his friend and making sure he dries off.

"I'm sorry that I haven't texted you in so long, Donovan.. I've been struggling lately and I just need to stay here for awhile if it's okay with you."

Donovan frowns slightly. "I understand, you can stay for as long as you like, Keith." He gives him a soft smile. They stare at each other for a few seconds, awkwardly, before one of Donovan's black cats rub against Keith's leg. Keith chuckles and leans down, stroking the cats soft fur.

Donovan leans against the wall, "Well, I was just gonna order a pizza, what toppings do you want on it?"

Keith shrugs, "Nah, don't worry, man. I can cook something if you want."

He raises an eyebrow, "Really, man? You don't have to.."

Keith sighs, walking to the kitchen. "When's the last time you've had something homemade?"

"Not in awhile, I guess.. I usually just order something from Doordash after I get back from practice."

"That's pretty sad, man.. That's alright, I'm here now." Keith turns his head around and gives Donovan a bright smile. Donovan swallows.

"Yeah, thanks.." Donovan walks into the comfy yet minimalistic living room, sitting on his sofa. His other black cat, Niko, rubs against his arm, purring softly. He pets him and sighs.

It's been awhile since Donovan has had someone at his house. It's nice and comforting knowing that he has someone besides his cats. He got divorced about a year ago, and Keith was there for him. He has always been there for him.

It's nice....

But nice things don't last forever.

{(Note:) Sorry for it being so short, but I hope you enjoyed!}

-641 words-