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She drew circles on my stomach like it was her canvas. “I think people who don’t fall into the ‘normal’ category carve their own path. Take Beethoven, for example; he was deaf, but that didn’t stop him from creating so many masterpieces. That’s so inspiring, isn’t it?”

“Can I hire you to be my therapist? My wrist, knee, and ankle already feel a hundred percent better from listening to you.”

“I’m so angry at those boys for hurting you. Your entire life changed in an instant.” She held up a clenched fist. “Do you know where they are?”

Amused, I asked, “Will you hurt them for me?”

“I would. The world is a better place without people like them.”

“You’d be a great addition to the V.A.T.V. team.”

“What’s that?”

“Vigilantes Against the Villains,” I said. “We believe in eradicating the scum of society by any means.”

“Are you referring to bending or ignoring the laws?” Her eyes gleamed as though she understood exactly what I was referring to.

“Laws are made by people who don’t follow them. I view laws as guidelines that I can either follow or break if necessary. So yeah, the boys and I are busy with V.A.T.V. and video games.”

“I heard aboutWaterFyre Rising. Can you show me yours when you’re ready?”

“You play video games?”

“No.” She smirked. “I just want to peek into your complicated brain. You own a museum, art galleries, innovative farms, properties all over the world, children’s educational apps, and now you’re creating a video game.” She tapped my forehead. “I admire your mental capacity.”

“I see you’ve done a lot of research on me.”

“You’ve transformed your pain into a gift for all to appreciate, Attikus. Your museum is a collection of beautiful things that symbolize something to somebody. Your innovative farms help people eat healthy, and your educational apps offer kids creative ways to learn. I don’t think you realize how much you’re contributing to society.”

Money was power, and I’d used it to benefit those in need. My family had been the victims of a cruel world. I wanted to add some goodness to it for them.

“Thank you for your wisdom.” I wrapped my arms around her. “I’m a lucky man to have a wife like you.”

“Don’t you forget it,” she teased. “You’re an artist like me.”

“More like an illustrator. My sister was more creative. You would’ve gotten along well.”

“Can I see the drawing that earned you the prize?”

“It’s old.”

“I don’t care.”

I reached for my phone, which was charging on the nightstand.

“You have it on your phone?”

“It’s a reminder of what changed my life—the beginning and ending.” I opened the phone, swiped to my photo folder, and showed her.

“No way.” Her mouth dropped as she held my phone in one hand, and the other hand went to her chest. “I can’t believe this.”

“What?”

She pointed to the photo on my phone and zoomed in on it. “I remember this!” Excitement filled her eyes. “My mom and I helped her friends at The Cozy Family Restaurant choose this artwork. I can’t believe that was you!”

I couldn’t believe it either. “You picked my artwork out of all the submissions?”

She nodded. “My mom worked part time at The Cozy Family Restaurant. She was friends with the owner, Cindy, who couldn’t decide on the best ad for her restaurant. So Cindy asked my mom and me to help them pick. Yours stood out because I liked the illustration of the happy family in the restaurant setting.” She held the phone to her chest and wiggled her eyebrows. “I guess I chose you back then, Whistler. We were meant to meet.”