As my S/O challenged me to an art competition, I knew I wasn’t going to win. They’ve been into art since they were a kid. I haven’t lifted a paintbrush for decades. But as my pencil slowly glided across the paper, I knew what I had to do. All I had to do was imagine it in my mind, look at it, and copy every single detail. I didn’t know anything about color theory, but I hoped it’d still be good enough for them to say they’re proud of me. I was fired recently, my friends left me, and I’ve barely left my room for the past month. I’ve been really disappointed in myself, trying to pep talk myself into getting out of bed each morning. Maybe this drawing will somehow help me get my life together. Once I finished the lines, I felt kinda proud of myself. It had pretty good detail, though not even close to perfect. I dip my paintbrush in the jar of water and glance at my S/O. They’re really good. The light reflects off the window in the painting perfectly, leaving it insanely realistic. I finished the base colors, and moved on to the details. I painted the light reflecting in the window and the hare outside. Once I finished, my S/O kissed me on the cheek and said, “Great job, my love” making my heart flutter ever so slightly. We talk for a bit, watch a movie, and go to bed. But I can’t sleep. I do some research on art and try one more time. It looks pretty good, a bit better than the last one, though the improvements aren’t incredibly visible, they’ll piece together and make it a masterpiece. Someday. I’ll be able to be an artist, and finally get my life together.