Disbelief was evident in the familiar voice. Her head snapped up, her slender arm withdrew from her easel and her calculating gaze swept upwards towards the silhouette. The setting sun was illuminated behind his shadowed features, enveloping him in mists of golden sunlight. He stepped out of the shadows, and the light gave life to his features. His warm honey eyes danced in delight, his crooked smile marred only by the crease of barely visible dimples.

Her slender fingers trailed across the woven canvas, mentally comparing the textures. She paused and turned halfway, her eyes resting on a canvas she had missed before. It leaned on its side, against the dark wooden chest filled with an assortment of paintbrushes. She carefully slid the canvas towards her, sizing it up and finally deciding that it was just right.