Tamara, constantly battling self-image issues rooted in childhood comparisons to her sister, attends an art gallery. Her inner monologue, filled with self-criticism, is interrupted by a striking nude portrait she finds repulsive, seeing only flaws. The artist, a mysterious old man, engages her in conversation. He reveals he painted the woman, whom he deeply loves, precisely as she is?flaws and all?because that is her honest truth. This revelation challenges Tamara's perceptions. Upon revisiting the painting, she sees the subject not as angry, but sad. The artist then extends his philosophy to Tamara, telling her she too is a "work of art." After he departs, Tamara finds the painting has transformed to reflect her, and she finally sees herself through loving eyes, embracing her true self.

A. Craig Newman is a New Jersey native who has been writing since he was 10. He recently received his Masters in Creative writing from Wilkes University. Craig plans to work on his backlog of story ideas for short stories, screenplays, stage plays, and poetry until he finds his voice and his place in the writing world.