Finding the Artist Within | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Finding the Artist Within | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ken Grant
11/21/17
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Denise Mendez paused before entering her daughter's room. She took a few deep breaths the way that her therapist had taught her to bring her emotions under control. She knew what she would see, but that didn't make it any easier to look at.

"Honey, can I come in?"

"Come in, Mommy."

Denise opened the door, she knew she could just barge in, but again her therapist had suggested showing respect to get respect. It hadn't worked so far, but then the process was still fairly new. Her eyes immediately focused on the far wall. The beautifully painted wall was now scarred with a drawing. Her anger rose up, but somehow she was able to bring it under control.

"Are you mad at me, Mommy?"

Denise knelt down and looked into her daughter's olive eyes. They seemed so innocent, but they were capable of an intensity that scared her.

"Why do you do it?"

"It makes me happy."

Another deep breath. Was she supposed to give in to these whims of her daughter? Why couldn't she just draw on paper like she was supposed to? Why couldn't she be more like ... her? Was that what this was about? Her parents had held her down with an iron fist. It had made her successful, but at what cost? Was she driving the life out of her daughter?

"What is it?"

"You aren't going to yell at me?"

The tears came. What had she become that her daughter expected anger? What had she become that her daughter knew her only as a tyrant? She opened her arms and called to her daughter who tentatively moved forward.

"I'm not angry. Please come."

Her daughter stepped into her arms and she enveloped her. The two shared something true and rare.

"I like this, Mommy."

"I do too."

"I drew my insides."

"What do you mean?"

"I drew how happy I am. Everything I see is so amazing. I just have to let it out."

"I understand. I used to be like you when I was young. I so wanted to just let it all out."

"Why didn't you?"

"I was afraid. I don't want you to ever be afraid."

Denise took out her phone and took a picture of the drawing. She posted it for everyone to see.

"What are you doing, Mommy?"

"I'm showing everyone how amazing you are."

"I like that."

"Me too, honey. Me too."

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