The Unwritten Chapter

The morning sun filtered through the curtains as Cael stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his baggy shirt and jeans. There was a newfound energy in his movements, a determination to make the most of this day. Today was the art seminar, a chance for him to learn and grow in the craft that was so close to the original Cael's heart. He felt a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and an underlying resolve. This wasn't just for him. It was for the Cael who once dreamed of a future filled with art, for the life that had been taken too soon.

As he tied his shoelaces, memories flickered through his mind. They weren't his own, not truly. They belonged to the original Cael—moments of quiet afternoons spent painting, the scent of fresh paint lingering in the air, and the satisfaction of finishing a piece. It was as if the body he now inhabited was slowly passing its essence to him. Yet, Cael couldn't help but wonder what had become of El Johansen, the person he once was. Did El's body still exist somewhere? Was someone else living his life?

He shook his head, banishing the spiraling thoughts. "Focus," he whispered to himself. His grip on the straps of his backpack tightened. While inheriting the original Cael's memories might enhance his skills, he was determined to master art on his own, to earn it rather than have it handed to him through fragments of someone else's life.

Descending the stairs, he found Jade waiting for him, leaning casually against the kitchen counter. Their mother was in the living room, sipping coffee and humming a soft tune.

"Ready to go?" Jade asked, his sharp eyes softening as they landed on Cael.

"Yeah," Cael replied, a small smile playing on his lips.

As they climbed into the car, Jade turned the key, and the soft hum of the engine filled the silence. The streets were busy with the morning rush, but inside the car, the atmosphere was calm and familiar. Jade glanced at Cael from the corner of his eye before breaking the silence.

"Hey, Cael," he started, a hint of hesitation in his voice. "I've been thinking… I want to introduce my boyfriend to the family."

Cael's eyes lit up with genuine happiness. "You should! It's about time, don't you think?" he said, nudging Jade lightly on the shoulder.

Jade chuckled, his ears tinting red. "Yeah, maybe. When he's ready, though. I don't want to push him."

Cael tilted his head curiously. "What's he like?"

Jade's lips curled into a fond smile, and he blushed. "Hot, gorgeous, and lovely," he admitted, his voice softening with affection.

Cael laughed, shaking his head. "Wow, someone's smitten. You better introduce him sooner, though, or I'll start thinking he's a figment of your imagination."

"Yeah, yeah," Jade replied, rolling his eyes playfully. "You'll meet him soon enough."

The rest of the ride was filled with light chatter, the kind of easy conversation that made time fly. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the university. The sprawling campus was alive with activity—students milling about, carrying sketchbooks, canvases, and supplies. The seminar hall was located near the art department, a building adorned with murals and sculptures that hinted at the creativity brewing inside.

Cael's heart raced as he entered the hall. The room was filled with budding artists, some setting up easels while others chatted animatedly in small groups. The scent of oil paint and graphite lingered in the air, a comforting aroma that spoke of endless possibilities.

An older man with a gray beard and a kind smile stood at the front, arranging materials on a table. "Welcome, everyone," he greeted warmly. "This two-week seminar will take you through the fundamentals of traditional art. From sketching to oil painting, we'll explore techniques that will help you find your unique voice as an artist."

Cael felt a thrill of excitement. This was exactly what he needed—a structured environment to build his skills from the ground up. As the seminar began, they were given sketchbooks and asked to start with a simple exercise: drawing their hand. It was a deceptively challenging task, but one that forced them to observe every curve, wrinkle, and shadow.

Sitting at a table near the window, Cael focused intently on his hand. He remembered the way the original Cael used to hold a pencil, the gentle pressure and deliberate strokes. But this time, it was his own. He wanted his art to reflect his journey, a blend of who he was and who he was becoming.

Jade, who had stayed back to watch, occasionally glanced at Cael with a mix of pride and curiosity. "How's it going?" he asked during a short break.

Cael looked up, showing him the sketch. "It's… rough," he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "But it feels good to start from scratch, you know?"

Jade nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "You're doing great. Just keep at it."

The seminar continued with lessons on shading, perspective, and composition. The instructor walked around, offering guidance and encouragement. "Your lines are strong," he told Cael, examining his work. "But don't be afraid to loosen up. Art isn't just about precision; it's about expression."

By the end of the day, Cael felt a sense of accomplishment, even if his work wasn't perfect. He had taken the first step, and that was enough. As he packed up his supplies, he glanced at Jade, who was scrolling through his phone near the entrance.

"Thanks for bringing me," Cael said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Jade looked up, a warm smile on his face. "Anytime. I'm proud of you, Cael. I know this means a lot."

Cael nodded, his chest swelling with gratitude. For the first time in a while, he felt like he was moving forward—not just for the original Cael, but for himself. As they left the university, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, Cael allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. The road ahead was long, but he was ready to take it, one step at a time.