Antonio Esposito didn’t have much as a mediocre painter who barely survives off his monotonous paintings. However, he always found a way to get his sick wife some decent medications, some leftover paints from the art academy, and some occasional flowers. His wife, Isabella, knew this and always gazed upon him with loving eyes, even when she had to make fire for the stove with her sick body. 

    Today, he brought a hair pin. It had a rather simple design, with its decoration only being three pearls. Yet Isabella was thrilled to see that her husband had prepared something for her. 

    “This is all I could ever ask for, Antonio. Thank you.” said Isabella. After Antonio made Isabella’s hair, the couple had a warm cabbage soup for dinner.

   When her husband asked Isabella about paintings she’s been working on, she reluctantly showed her most recent piece.

    Despite her embarrassment, Isabella’s painting was truly a work of art. The sky and colors were dancing in beautiful, mysterious rhythms and Antonio was absolutely astonished. She seemed clearly embarrassed as she considered it as a mere hobby. 

    “Oh, Isabella.. This is one of the most beautiful paintings I’ve ever seen, even during my art academy years,” said Antonio while gently caressing Isabella’s weak hands that were as pale as snow. (Simile)

Oh.. my..goodness!

     Next day approached and it was an important day for the Espositios. It was his chance to finally showcase months of his works to the rich Italian sponsor, Don Capponi. But as he was going through his canvases, he realized that he had brought his wife’s painting by accident. He panicked and immediately tried to put it away, but Antonio mesmerized Don Capponi as soon as he laid his eyes on the painting. 

    “This may be one of the most extraordinary piece of art I have ever seen,” he whispered in pure awe. Antonio could hear his heartbeat echoing in his head as he lied to him that it was indeed his painting. Just like that, what seemed like a hopeless dream came true in a matter of minutes.     

My dear goodness!

    “Isabella, I am home! I’ve also brought some new medications. Don Capponi loved your- I mean, my paintings. We’ve got a sponsor!” said Antonio. 

    “Oh, mi amor! I’m so happy for you,” exclaimed Isabella. She struggled out of bed and hugged him tightly. Antonio was hesitant to hug her back. He still couldn’t get used to lying to his wife, but this was for her wellbeing, or so he thought. 

    After that day, Isabella had an uneasy gut feeling that something about her husband had changed. He would often almost lock her in her new room and bring her expensive paints to paint from day to night as if his life depended on it. He did not come back for their anniversary because he claimed he had much more important events to attend.  He left for days, or weeks sometimes to ride the carriage from city to city. There were more days where she would suffocate of loneliness than ones where she enjoyed a warm dinner with her husband.