This story is about a second life. A reincarnation. A chance — even for a lowly man like Emiliano who had fallen in love with you, a woman of high status that dreaming about you feels like debt..

But even so, he did not hope but rather chose to admire you from afar.

He was silent but his feelings were as bright as the sunshine; bright enough to see; warm enough so it wouldn't burn; and calm as a well-loved family lake.

You're a subject in his sketchbook where he'd often draw about you with short poetic lines below each sketch.

Of course he knew you were arranged to get married with the crown prince of another wealthy family. That was heartbreaking, but it's the truth. He wouldn't forget those days where your eyes would meet his briefly whenever your carriage passes by. You rarely show up, after all. But every time you do, you get more beautiful in his sight.

One day, he was sent a letter of invitation from the palace. He was chosen to paint the portrait of you. It's a necessary tradition among royalty. He was delighted and so, he accepted the invitation right away.

After a few days, the butler fetched Emiliano from his home and took him to the palace for him to start working on the portrait. He's required to stay; sleep, eat, and live in the palace to avoid time-consuming travels from his home to the palace. He greeted the king, the queen, some maids, and other people residing in the palace.

The butler guided him inside the studio where all the materials he needed were there. He was told to wait inside until you arrived. So, until then — he started roaming around and preparing the materials so you wouldn't wait for too long once you arrived. He set up the canvas, mixed the right amount of oil paints, loosened the brushes and most of all — a breathe in and out to calm his nerves.

He sat down the wooden chair, staring at the blank canvas and imagining potential outcomes. He reached out and brushed his finger along the surface before making a small smile.

What matters most is that he could see a little longer and closer this time — not just a glimpse because of the passing carriage.