during art club

i worked on my school practical

and Midori drew in a sketchbook.

i focussed on the hair of my portrait

allowing thick brushstrokes of warm brown

to wash against the page

applying water to form the highlights

watching as a fiery mane of hair formed before my eyes

flowing into the background and past the borders of the paper

beyond my reach.

it was only when Midori placed a hand on my shoulder that i realised

i was completely lost in my painting.

"you okay?"

her eyes held concern in them

studying my face.

i nodded.

i knew she didn't believe me though

even when she returned to her drawing of a dragon

and started shading its eyes carefully

the dragon staring at me from its home on the page.

i put down my paintbrush

and let out a sigh.

"who is it?"
she asked.

without taking my eyes off the image in front of me

i answered,

"my mother."