Medical Center
Fresh off another classic TV-drama-style case—where someone chasing freedom ended up battered and barely able to mutter "I am Groot"—Adam's phone buzzed.
It was Matthew on the line.
He wanted to meet up, and his vibe was way off.
---
Old Friends Bar
"Adam!" Matthew waved him over.
"Hey!" Adam strolled up, plopped down across from him, and gave him a quick once-over. The guy looked worried, but not angry or hopeless. That was a good sign. 😅
"What's up? What's got you down?"
"It's Lily," Matthew said, taking a swig of his beer. "Ever since she painted that picture of our wedding last week, she's been off. She doesn't even want to go to work anymore. Adam, do you think she doesn't want to marry me?"
"Nah, it's not that," Adam said with a grin. "Actually, this one's on me! Lily mentioned she's been thinking about her old college dreams lately. Matthew, do you remember what Lily wanted back when she started college?"
"Uh…" Matthew tilted his head, then chuckled awkwardly. "All I can picture is the first time I saw her. She looked like an angel stepping into my world—every glance, every smile, pure poetry. But what she said? Dude, I've got nothing."
Emmm.
Total visual, no audio or subtitles. 😆
"Heh," Adam smirked knowingly.
Back then, Matthew—like every other guy—was too busy turning his brain into mush and sweet-talking her with the usual dude flattery. No filter, no memory.
Years later, he probably forgot what he'd said the second it left his mouth.
"She didn't want to be tied down," Adam explained. "She wanted to travel, to become a great artist. That's why she dumped her high school boyfriend. But then, day one of college, she met you, spilled all her dreams, and you two have been head-over-heels ever since. Now you're about to tie the knot."
"So she's regretting it? She doesn't want to marry me?" Matthew zeroed in, sharp as ever.
"Not exactly," Adam said, easing him back. "You know how brides get jittery before the big day—it's normal. She's just hesitating over a life she's not even sure she wants anymore.
Now her dream's popped, she's snapped out of it, and she's just bummed for a bit. She'll bounce back in a few days."
"Her dream popped?" Matthew's eyes widened. "What happened?"
"Lily's always wanted to be a painter, right?" Adam said. "With the wedding creeping up, she's been losing sleep over it for a month. She kept thinking once you're married, bam—kids—and then her shot at chasing her dream's gone for good."
He held up a hand as Matthew opened his mouth. "Don't even try to deny it. Last time we were at your place for Christmas, she nearly freaked out over some nausea.
Clearly, your 'safety measures' are pretty chill."
"You're one to talk," Matthew grumbled. "Robin's still stressing about it."
"…" Adam's lip twitched. No comeback for that.
He couldn't exactly say Robin was fine because she couldn't have kids, could he?
Still, it wasn't a shock Matthew knew. Lily's a chatterbox and tells him everything.
Emmm.
Well, almost everything—except this big future-defining stuff.
You ever seen a couple dating for almost eight years, living together, still gabbing on the phone every lunch break?
They're not sick of it, but everyone else who knows? Totally over it. 😅
"Go on," Matthew said with a sheepish grin.
"So, she didn't want to waste her talent," Adam continued, shooting him a side-eye. "She figured with a little push, she could make it. So I told her to paint something—your wedding, specifically. Put all her real feelings into it, show off her best shot at proving her gift.
Then I took her to a big-deal painter to get it checked out, see if she's got the chops.
Spoiler: she doesn't.
Painting's a hobby for her, not a career."
"Ohhh," Matthew nodded, then gave a wry smile. "So, bottom line, she's still unsure about marrying me."
"Can't totally blame her, though," Adam said, jumping in to smooth things over with a tease. "Back when you met in college, she laid out all these dreams for you—even ditched her high school guy for them. You were all in, cheering her on. What, now you're gonna pull up your pants and pretend it never happened?"
"No way," Matthew said, laughing bitterly. "I just don't know how to support her. Call off the wedding?"
"Of course not," Adam grinned. "She knows she doesn't have the talent now. She's just moody about it. Give her some slack for a while—you've still got over a month till the wedding. She'll come around, I'm sure of it."
"Here's hoping," Matthew sighed, helpless.
---
Back home, after getting the full scoop, Matthew took Adam's advice and went all-in on patience with Lily's funk.
Didn't want to be a kindergarten teacher anymore?
No problem—do whatever you want!
Her fiancé's chill vibes touched her, and just like that, she perked back up.
Sure, pro artist was off the table, but she still had tons she wanted to try. The thought of quitting to chase those exciting things lit her up again.
Over the next two weeks:
First, she tried being a life coach.
She'd always been the go-to for her friends' venting sessions, dishing out advice and support.
Seemed like a natural fit for a pro gig.
A few days in? She was over it.
For friends, it was love.
For strangers, it was cash—and that soured it fast.
Without that heart behind it, playing "emotional trash can" was a slog.
Good thing Matthew still had her back.
She had other passion projects that got her hyped just thinking about them.
Next up: marine biologist.
Emmm.
Okay, she didn't have the degree for that. She ended up a tour guide at the aquarium instead.
Dreams were plump and juicy; reality was bony and tough. 😛
Obviously, she ditched that one after a few days too.
Then came behavioral poet, beekeeper…
---
Medical Center
"Lily, what the…" Adam stared at her, arms and face dotted with red welts, looking like a total mess. He couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm done with beekeeping," Lily whined, her face crumpled.
Compared to the earlier dream jobs that just didn't click mentally, this one? Her body straight-up said nope. 🐝
"Adam, help her out quick," Matthew said, all worried.
"Relax," Adam said after a check. "It's not a big deal."
(Chapter End)