A Graduation Gift

"To do… What I'm really keen to do…"

Cassandra repeated, glancing at Rufus, then diverted her gaze to the painting she was making. Thousands of thoughts flashed through her mind at the same time.

But what was it that she was keen to do, anyway? In fact, she had never truly taken time to ponder over this.

It seemed like she had always been struggling for something or the other. Currently, her life was fulfilled and busy, but was she truly interested in doing what she was doing?

Rufus caught Cassandra lost deeply in thoughts. It made him sad to spot her looking so gloomy.

His hands reached out for hers. He caressed them gently.

"Cassandra, you have me. You don't have to worry about anything, a place to stay, food or shelter. The only thing you should be concerned about is whatever it is you love to do. Just pursue what you actually enjoy doing. Sometimes, even though we put in all our efforts, we don't get the results we are craving for. Since we don't really have full control on the final result, we should rather focus on enjoying the process itself, don't you think? Just keep doing your thing with as much effort you can put in, and take it easy."

Rufus's hands slid up her to her face. Her face was so bony, that it felt like it was sculpted out of stone. There was barely any flesh on it. Her smooth skin was long gone, replaced by wrinkles around her eyes and mouth.

This past year, Cassandra had suffered unbearably. Of course, Rufus was fully aware of it.

words pushed Cassandra into

been working hard for so many things throughout my

much to Cloris, but for what? For her to get back at me and humiliate me in public? To throw paint on my

no effort to save my father's company, which was a result of his life's work. And then? Eventually, it had to

the best architect in the

side, but the only thing I seem to have any control on now is my pride. Soon, I wouldn't have anything to be proud of too...' The thoughts kept coming to her one after the other, making

I don't need you to become a powerful woman, I know how powerful and tenacious you are inside. You've tried to succeed a lot. That is more than enough. I do not want you to be burdened by the thought of succeeding in life anymore. I don't want you to treat yourself miserably. I don't want you to face unnecessary hardship. I just hope you spend all your days with me in the future, that you enjoy and appreciate what you have and redefine the idea of success. Sometimes, that is more than enough. Can

she collapsed into his arms passionately, giving up the last

It was steady, firm and reassuring. As long as that heart was beating,

since I talked to you

into a smile. He realized how easily and spontaneously he could say words of love and affection to someone he truly loved. It

the joy in his words, Cassandra felt the coldness and darkness in her heart being

you feed me for

Rufus. Of course, she wouldn't want to rely on Rufus for a living, but she did feel a need for some

fact, I'll even feed you with my

overwhelmed by euphoria.