the young man looked like he had lost a fight with a paint bucket. and truth be told , sigrid wasn't totally sure he hadn't. still , she smiled back at him , too deep in the process to think much of it. "that's very kind of you ," she allowed , trying not to turn away from the compliment but instead taking it for what it was. "i truly am rusty though. i spend more time teaching about art than actually making it myself." the question gave her pause and she smiled softly at the shapes that made up her childhood on the canvas. "it's what i remember from my childhood home ," she replied softly. "my family home was close to the ocean and my parents would take me sometimes." she motioned to the grassy fields, the ocea seen in the distance. "this was one of my favourite places growing up." sigrid couldn't help but let out a laugh as the young man sheepishly asked for advice on the mess created on his shirt. "i'm sorry , the only thing i've ever found works is gently dabbing on the stain with soapy water and before throwing it in the wash. you might have to make a mad dash home."
Charlie had been wandering past the painting station with a bottle of water in one hand and paint smudged on the edge of his shirt; not from actual artistry, but from trying to help a kid open a stuck tube of acrylics, leading to what could only be described as a disaster. He'd just given up on scrubbing the shirt against itself with the water, scrunching his nose as he'd definitely made it worse, when he'd caught sight of the woman speaking and paused, something about the calm focus in her expression catching his attention.
He stepped a bit closer, eyes scanning the half-finished landscape. “That’s beautiful,” he said, flashing her a warm, easy smile. “Rusty’s just code for still got it.” He crouched slightly beside her canvas, hands resting on his knees. His hand had been placed much gentler over the left one, positioning his fingers precicely to avoid the long scar, years of practice making it second nature. A beat passed, then his eyes flicked from the brush in her hand to the painting itself. “What inspired this one? Or is that a secret artist thing I’m not allowed to ask?” There was a teasing sound to his voice, light and curious with the genuine interest of someone who had a newfound appreciation for both art and the artist’s quiet passion. "Also, can you please tell me how I can get this out of my shirt? It's my favorite and I'm not tryin' to toss this one just yet."
it had been very enjoyable to see the canvases turn from blank pages into beautiful artworks. sigrid had been living in palmview for a decade , but this was the first time she saw such bustling activity around a bunch of painting supplies. the young girl next to her seemed so intensely focused on the creation in front of her that sigrid almost felt bad for interrupting her. "i thought the same thing ," she replied , nodding sweetly. "they definitely need to be at more events. it's perfect for someone who just wants to sit down and relax for a little while." receiving compliments always made sigrid shake her head and wave them off like it wasa nothing. "oh , you're too kind. i mostly teach about the history , but i've painted a few things in my days." curiously she peered over at her neighbour's canvas. "how about you ? another artist ?"
the painting station had been much more her thing. when she found out that they'd be having one at the bonfire event? bella couldn't wait. creativity and figuring out what to paint usually only came to her when she had some actual inspiration. she wasn't quite sure what she wanted to do but she figured that she would try her best and see where it took her. entirely focused on the canvas infront of her when she heard the voice from the side of her is when she had looked up. " isn't it? don't think i know very many events that have painting stations. " she strugged and dipped her brush into one of the paints she was using. " either that or i haven't been to many events that this town has. it's definitely getting somewhere, i'd say! i didn't know you were quite the artist yourself. "
seeing her daughter was always a welcome sight and sigrid immediately put down her brush. sure , it had only been a few weeks since she moved out , but sigrid missed her laughter and sparkling eyes more than she would ever miss anyone. "tack , skruttis ," she replied , feeling warm at her daughter's love. the nickname was old , born when she was still a grape in her belly. "i know art is subjective , but if i hear you say anything like that and not refer to monet or renoir we will have words." she couldn't help but smile , reaching out to hold signe's hand. "how have you been , sweetheart. ?" a teasing glint appeared in her eyes. "talking to anyone special lately ?"
Signe had come up behind her mother, recognizing the woman was in the middle of a painting session and waited to be acknowledged. When her mother spoke, Signe chuckled. “You say rusty as if that’s not one of the most stunning paintings I’ve ever seen,” she teased, tilting her head to observe the landscape that she had been working on. “It’s really good, Mamma.” And it was good to see her mother allowing herself the small pleasures of being creative. While Sigrid Holmström was extremely analytical, she was also an intensely creative soul and Signe had credited her mother more than once for her own artistic streak.
most days her husband was a very put together. then there were days like these where he barely remembered to put shoes on. sigrid was standing at the information desk in the lobby , about to text søren to let him know that his dinner was waiting for him. just as she was about to hit send a familiar , smooth voice behind her. "you're such an idiot ," sigrid replied with a loud eyeroll , even as a soft smile spread across her face. she leaned in and gave him a quick kiss , not wanting to give too much pda at his place of work. "forgot something today ?" she asked teasingly and raised his bag with the leftovers he'd saved for today. she handed it over and , in a moment of want , reached out and took his hand. she hadn't seen him since this morning , when she left for work. "will it be a late night tonight ?"
「 ✱ 」 STATUS ﹕ open . 「 ✱ 」 LOCATION ﹕ seaglass hospital . 「 ✱ 」 WITH ﹕ søren & utp ( @palmviewstarters )
doctor holmström had been working at seaglass hospital for close to a decade, and there were still days that surprised him. those days he preferred spending evenings with his wife — or with their daughter when she was home for an evening — but every few weeks he was scheduled for the emergency department, and it was one of those nights where the hours would stretch into the early morning and he would likely return covered in questionable bodily fluids. it was when he was walking back to check on the junior doctors that he paused, backed up, and turned to the figure waiting in the lobby, straightening his name badge and approaching … “have you been seen yet, or are you waiting for anyone ? do you want to come through to the consulting room and i can check you over ? ”
who: sigrid & open @palmviewstarters [ cap at 5 ] where: sunrise café
it was always a bother when sigrid forgot something at home. on more than one occasion she would run out the door without her keys , notes for the day , glasses , you name it. and she'd always prided herself on being well - prepared. today , much to her dismay , she’d come to realise that her lunch box was still in her fridge at home. whatever leftovers she’d looked forward to eat during her lunch hour was quickly forgotten in favour of jumping in her car and going to the nearest place she could find. luckily the sunrise café wasn’t too far away. sigrid hurried inside and got in line just as the lunch rush began picking up. with a simple cheese and turkey sandwich in hand , she turned to leave and nearly ran over someone in her hurry to get back to the university. “oh, goodness, i am so sor— hi !" sigrid felt a small smile play on her features. “how have you been ?”
lian bounced into the book nook after her shift , ready to visit a friend and cause some mischief. she watched him talk to a customer , who nearly spooked the poor boy half to death , and navigate their questions with ease. lian was almost , almost , envious with how at home jasper looked in the space , between the tall shelves and thousands of unbroken spines. once jasper was finished she eagerly jumping on their friend where they were hiding behind the counter. "hi , pookie ! don't you sound proper ," they cooed , looking into the big doe eyes that always looked like they knew too much. "i almost considered buying the books you were talking about , just because of your sales skills."
「 ✱ 」 STATUS ﹕ open . 「 ✱ 」 LOCATION ﹕ the book nook . 「 ✱ 」 WITH ﹕ jasper & open ( @palmviewstarters )
it was a quiet day at the bookstore, with only the sighs of worn pages to keep jasper company, and so he softly hummed to himself as he sorted through the new arrivals. romance, mythological retellings, dusty vintage classics. piles towered over the timid boy that cast wobbling shadows over his features. the shuffle of company brought him from his trance. an elbow nudged the leaning tower of thrillers, and in a moment jasper’s arms were filled with cascading novellas threatening to spill. “hey ! sorry, one second … ” paperbacks were shrugged onto the counter with a limp plop. breathless, they attempted to fix a strand of unruly brunette which promptly pinged back into its clumsy position. the ends of their fingers were inky from refilling the receipt printer and they smeared a long black mark across their forehead. “are you looking for something particular today ? we have the right book for everybody.”
"she moved out recently ," she stated , as if that explained everything. "i just want to celebrate her achievements. she works so hard. she deserves it." a small smile played on her face and she nodded , pleased , as the young man rattles off a few titles. "she doesn't have dirt femme yet. i'll take that one."
“ for you daughter ? ” milo echoes back , recalling how his parents always brought home albums for him to spin from a young age onward . “ you're a good mom , ” well — maybe he was quick to assume , but that was beyond the point . “ we do have tove lo . we just go in a reissue of queen of the clouds but it looks like we also have … dirt femme & blue lips ? do any of those sound about right ? ”
meeting ones boss on your off hours was never a goal in anyone's life. of that agnes was pretty sure. it was like seeing your grandma text , or a dog wearing a jumper. you always felt like something was off about the visual. agnes didn't work in a traditional space , but the rules still applied. daxton only existed within the four walls of the lost boy ink , and that's where he probably should've stayed. "well , that's fucking rude ," agnes replied defensively , lighting their own cigarette to fill the silence in the air. "i'm your favourite employer and you just talk shit about me. have a little faith , will you ? no trouble has been caused today … yet." they smiled , a teasing , toothy smile , and plopped down on the bench next to him. "for your information , if you must know ," they started , watching as the smoke from their cigarettes made patterns against the sky , "i'm going on a date today. with a girl. she is really hot."
location : sunset villa beach. status : open . ( @palmviewstarters )
he leaned back against the peeling wooden bench, the salty breeze of palmview ruffling his hair as he glanced around the bustling boardwalk. his tattooed fingers idly drummed against the edge of the bench, rhythm in sync with the distant crash of waves. the sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the surf shops and beachside vendors, their neon signs flickering to life as dusk settled in. he pulled a blunt from his pocket, tapping it thoughtfully against his palm before lighting it up, the tip flaring bright in the growing twilight. inhaling deeply, he closed his eyes, letting the familiar burn settle in his chest. he hadn’t relaxed in a minute — time had a funny way of slipping past in this town, days bleeding into each other with the rhythm of tides.
he exhaled, smoke curling up toward the sky as footsteps approached, scattering seagulls nearby. he cracked one eye open, a smirk curling his lips. " well, look what the tide dragged in. " he drawled, flicking ash to the pavement. his gaze lingered, curiosity sparking in his eyes as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees. " so, what kinda trouble you get yourself into today? "
adriana had been a familiar face in the holmström house. ever since they landed in palmview signe and adriana had been joined at the hip and sigrid couldn't be more grateful for the warmth and acceptance she'd shown her daughter. to then have her as a student had only deepened the affection. "things not easing up at work ? they're working you to the bone , sweetheart." it was easy to fall into the mothering role she'd always had with adriana. sigrid wasn't as extroverted and warm as her husband , but for adriana she always managed to make an exception. "if you need anything you know we are here for you." it was not a question. "we share similarities. very swamped with finals and last minute assignments." the statement however , made sigrid shake her head in mock disappointment. "signe moved out and it's like everyone forgot where we live."
On days when Adriana hadn't had back-to-back meetings, she loved to bring her laptop to the cafe to work from there. She'd filled a table with portfolios, multiple tabs open on her computer with events soon to be coming up. Adriana frowned when she'd heard the familiar noise of an empty iced coffee, though it was short lived as she only had to walk a few feet to refill. Just as she'd been making her way to the counter, eyes fixed on getting to the barista, she'd almost bumped into someone else.
"Hi!" Her voice immediately a higher pitch in surprise and excitement. "I'm incredible, swamped with work but I've got some exciting things in motion." Adriana smiled warmly at the sight of her former professor and mother of a dear friend of hers. "How are you?! I haven't seen you in forever."
who: lian & @amadoures where: coral cove park
ever since lian moved to coral cove , she'd taken to live her instagram worthy life. a quick morning run before stopping in the park to read a book. well , most days they skipped the run and got to the park by noon. but it was close. now that spring was aiming for summer it was just so peaceful to spend the weekends sitting in the sun. "hiya ," they greeted happily as a friend came into view. "do you wanna join me ? it's such a nice day."