en Con

ment. He began to notice little things about her – the way she smiled to herself when

nner, Reg approached her. "Maria, can I ask yo

im, her eyes wary. "Of

a's. "What drives you to cr

er was an artist," Maria said, her voice filled with emotion. "She taught me how to paint and draw when I was just

ith her art. "I'm sorry about your mother," he said, his voice genuine. "

each other, the air thick with emotion. Reg felt a spark of co

o know more about Maria, to understand what made her tick. He wante

looked away, her cheeks flushing with color. "Thank you,

come, Maria," he said, his voice a little softer

but wonder what other secrets she might