Blink's picture of me is almost done. She says she works in acrylics because she is impatient.

"Maybe when I'm older," she says, "I'll be patient, like you."

I laughed.

"I'm not patient."

"Yes, you are. Most people your...most people wouldn't have the patience to sit for as long as it takes for dopey me to get this right."

"I've never done this before. I don't know how long it's supposed to take."

Blink blushes. It is funny to see a blue-haired girl blush. And pretty in a way I would never have imagined.

"What are you going to do with the painting once you're done with it."

Now, Blink turns away.

"Um. Well. I was. Kind of. Hoping. You'd let me. Hang it. In the cafe."

Before my mind knows what my mouth is doing, I say, yes.