Lila’s P.O.V. I settled into one of the kitchen chairs, the scent of freshly made pancakes wafting through the air and reminding me just how hungry I really was. Skye took the seat across from me, his earlier irritation with Blade completely gone. Instead, he was calm, and focused, and I found myself appreciating his steady presence more than I had expected. As we started eating, the silence between us was comfortable. The pancakes were delicious, light and fluffy, and I couldn’t help but smile at the fact that Blade, despite his larger-than-life personality, was clearly a decent cook. “So,” Skye began after a few bites, his tone casual, “what’s the plan for today?” I swallowed my mouthful of pancake and sighed. “Honestly, I’m still figuring that out. I’ve been avoiding reality for a bit, but I guess I can’t keep hiding forever. I already turned on my phone, now I need to find the courage to open the messages and read them.” I sighed. Skye nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Do you know what you want to do in the long run? I mean… are you thinking of staying here longer? Or is there another place you call home? Your parents maybe?” I toyed with my fork, pushing a piece of pancake around my plate. “That’s the thing. I don’t really know anything. I mean, I have to do something. I can’t just sit around all day doing nothing. For now, I would like to stay in Fairview. I need to find a job and earn some money before I make my next move.” Skye leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady on me. “What do you like to do? I mean, what’s your passion?” I hesitated, biting my lip. I hadn’t thought about my passion in so long. My life had been so focused on making Brandon happy, on fitting into the mold that had been expected of me, that I had pushed my own desires to the side. But there was one thing that had always brought me joy, even if I had never considered it a viable career. “I’ve always loved art,” I admitted, my voice soft. “Drawing, painting, anything creative, really. But it’s not exactly a stable career path, and I’ve never been brave enough to really pursue it.” Skye’s eyes lit up, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “Art? That’s amazing, Lila. Why haven’t you done more with it?” I shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. “I guess I never thought I was good enough. It was always just a hobby, something I did in my free time. And then, with everything that happened… I just stopped.” Skye leaned forward, his expression serious. “Lila, if art makes you happy, then it’s worth pursuing. Who cares if it’s not ‘stable’ or ‘practical’? Life’s too short to spend it doing something that doesn’t light you up inside.” His words struck a chord within me, and I felt a lump form in my throat. No one had ever encouraged me like that before. Not really. Brandon had always been supportive in a general sense, but he had never truly understood my love for art. It had always been something on the sidelines, something to indulge in when everything else was done. “You really think so?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “I know so,” Skye said firmly. “Art isn’t just a hobby, Lila. It’s a way of expressing yourself, of connecting with the world. And you never know—it could turn into something more if you let it.” I blinked, surprised by how passionate he sounded. “Do you… do you like art too?” Skye’s smile widened, and he reached across the table to grab a napkin. Pulling a pen from his pocket, he started sketching right there on the napkin, his movements quick and fluid. I watched, fascinated, as a simple yet elegant drawing of a wolf’s head took shape under his hand. “I do,” he said, glancing up at me with a sheepish grin. “I’ve been drawing since I was a kid. It helps me clear my mind, especially when things get… complicated.” I stared at the sketch, amazed by how effortlessly he had captured the wolf’s expression. There was something raw and powerful about it, and I felt an instant connection to the image. “That’s incredible, Skye,” I breathed, unable to hide my admiration. “You’re really talented.” He shrugged, his grin turning a bit shy. “It’s just something I do. But thanks. It means a lot coming from someone who gets it.” For a moment, we just sat there, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. I felt something shift inside me, a small spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to make art a bigger part of my life. Skye’s encouragement had planted a seed, and it was starting to grow. “Maybe I could… I don’t know, look into art-related jobs around here,” I said, half to myself. “Or even just start drawing again, see where it takes me.” Skye’s expression softened, a warmth in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat. “I think that’s a great idea. And if you ever need someone to bounce ideas off of or just to draw with, I’m here.” I smiled, feeling a genuine connection with him that I hadn’t expected. “Thanks, Skye. I might take you up on that.” “Anytime,” he said, and there was something in his tone, that made me believe he meant it. I twirled my fork in my fingers, glancing at Skye with curiosity. “So, since you’re really talented at drawing. Do you work in something art-related?” Skye chuckled, shaking his head. “Not even close. I work in a garage. I’m an auto mechanic.” I blinked, surprised, thinking back at the words he had just spoken to me only a minute ago. “An auto mechanic? Really?” I didn’t mean to sound so astonished, but the image of Skye, with his quiet intensity and a clear talent for art, didn’t quite match the greasy, hands-on work of a mechanic. “Yup,” Skye said, a small smile playing on his lips. “I fix cars, trucks, motorcycles—anything with an engine, really. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds, but I like working with my hands.” I tilted my head, trying to reconcile the two sides of him. “But… you’re so good at drawing. I would’ve thought you’d be in some sort of art-related job. Why didn’t you pursue that instead?” Skye leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Honestly? I never really wanted to make a career out of it. Art, for me, has always been something personal. Something I do for myself, to clear my head, or when I’m feeling something I can’t put into words. The idea of putting it out there for the world to see… it just doesn’t sit right with me.” I frowned, not quite understanding. “But you’re so talented. Why keep it to yourself? I mean, your drawing is amazing. People would love to see it.” He looked away, his jaw tightening slightly. “Maybe someday. But I’m not comfortable with the idea of people judging it, you know? It’s like… my art is a part of me. I don’t want to hear someone say it’s not good enough or that it doesn’t make sense. So, I keep it to myself.” I studied him for a moment, feeling a pang of sympathy. I could understand that kind of vulnerability, but it still seemed like such a waste for someone as talented as Skye to hide his work from the world. “I get it, but it just seems like you’re hiding something really special. I mean, I’d love to see more of your work if you’re ever comfortable sharing it.” Skye gave me a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Maybe someday. But for now, it’s just a hobby. Something I do in my spare time.” I nodded, sensing that it wasn’t something he wanted to discuss any further. “Fair enough,” I said, deciding to change the subject. “So, what about Fairview? Are there any art-related opportunities here? I’m kind of stuck for ideas on where to start.” Skye’s expression brightened at the change in topic. “Actually, yeah, there are a few options. There’s an art center in town that offers classes and workshops. It’s a small place, but they do some pretty cool stuff. I know someone who works there—I could give them a call, see if they might need an extra pair of hands.” My heart lit up with interest. “Really? That would be amazing! I mean, I don’t know if I’m qualified to teach or anything, but I’d love to get involved somehow.” “I’m sure they’d love to have you,” Skye said confidently. “And even if they don’t need help right now, it’s a good place to start. You could take a few classes, meet some people, and see where it leads.” “That sounds perfect,” I said, a rush of excitement building inside me. It felt like the first real step toward figuring out my future, and I was grateful to Skye for offering to help. “Thanks, Skye. I really appreciate it.” “No problem,” he said, his smile turning genuine. “I’ll make the call today, and let you know what they say. In the meantime, if you need anything else—whether it’s a ride somewhere or just someone to talk to—I’m here.” I felt a warmth spread through my chest at his words. It was comforting to know I had someone in my corner, especially when everything else felt so uncertain. “Thanks again, Skye,” I said softly. “I don’t know what I’d do without you right now.” “You’d figure it out,” he replied, his tone gentle but firm. “But I’m glad I can help. You deserve a fresh start, Lila. And I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you get it.” I smiled at him, feeling a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up. And as we finished our breakfast together, I couldn’t shake the feeling that, with Skye’s support, I might just find the path I was meant to be on after all.