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.

Cassandra into an even deeper

hard for so many things throughout my life. But have they ever yielded into great, even

what? For her to get back at me and humiliate me in public? To throw paint on my face

to save my father's company, which was a result of his life's work. And then?

to become the best architect in the world, but I had to give up my career

by Rufus's 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 her feel

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

before she collapsed into his arms passionately, giving

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

so long since I talked to you

someone he truly loved. It was a rare feeling. Unveiling his heart to the woman he loved warmed not only the relationship they shared, but also his own self and personality.

felt the coldness and darkness in her heart being expelled away.

feed me for the

to rely on Rufus for a living,

fact, I'll even feed you with my

her tighter, overwhelmed by euphoria. Her