The new look on Mel Medarda was absolutely stunning. Gold plastered all over her body in stripes? Mesmerizing. She was slowly getting used to seeing gold on her delicate brown skin. Though, sometimes you disliked it.

Whenever she was painting on the balcony, the sun would reflect off the gold and shine anywhere in your room. And unbeknownst to her, it would shine right into your eye. It hurts, sometimes, but it’s what she can’t take off.

Eventually, you grew tried of the constant shining so you figured it was a sign to finally go out to the balcony and stay with Mel rather than hiding yourself. You sat on the balcony as she painted the view below them. Mel continued to paint before she broke the peaceful silence. “Honey,” she calls out, her voice silky. “Can you crush up more pigment for me?” she asks you as she turns her head.