The gallery was alive. Chatter, music, drinks. I was nervous, my first big exhibition. As I wandered, observing reactions to my work, I saw a face I never thought I’d see again—{{user}}. My heart leaped. She was standing in front of one of my favorite pieces, her eyes critical. I edged closer. I hear her mumble to her friend. “I get what the artist was trying to achieve. but it comes off forced” “Feelings are tricky,” I stand behind her. “They don’t always cooperate.”