The Hard But Easy
Chapter 1

He thought that all the happiness he had right now could last a long time. Then he realized, that in this world nothing is eternal. The fact that the news came at an inopportune moment, made him sink into the abyss of despair

He does not know if a reality can be heartbreaking.

All this time he fought for his dreams and ideals, but in the end, everything would sink in. And one day, he left only one name.

Should he escape?

Or, stay and pretend not to know about the reality that makes him die slowly?

This was the point where he had to accept the real reality.

...----------------...

Jonathan Darrel enters a Carlos D'Oleta painting studio in the New York area. As usual, when the man was bored in the apartment, he would stop by his friend's place, just refreshing. Instead of just sitting in the room playing his guitar and singing. Boring once.

Although Jonathan has what he wants, sometimes the man gets bored with his life. But, behind all that, Jonathan remains grateful to be able to reach the point as it is today.

The man's eyes traced every corner of the studio, looking for his friend. His studio was not so crowded, as his friend did not hire anyone else. Most that enliven only customers who order paintings. It didn't take long, Jonathan's eyes saw the whereabouts of his friend. Turns out that guy just came out of his hiding place in the back. The hiding place Jonathan was referring to was the room his friend used to complete his work.

"Carlos!" call Jonathan and approach his friend. His name is Carlos Vince, a man of Asian descent who has lived in America for a long time, just like Jonathan. "Who's working on the order?" Ask Jonathan.

Carlos did not answer. He took off the apron on his body and placed it on the chair. "Yeah, that's it. Let's sit down first." he said, then Carlos invited Jonathan to sit on one of the benches that were provided there for a casual chat.

Jonathan looked around the studio. There are so many paintings that have been made by Carlos, who was deliberately displayed by the man. Carlos skill in painting need not be doubted, he is indeed the champion.

"What about you? Tumben has not uploaded a song on youtube."

Yeah, Jonathan is a youtube artist, he likes to sing, he uploads covers more often, but not infrequently he uploads his own arrangement. Usually when Jonathan covers a song, he changes it to an acoustic version. At first, Jonathan only undergoes his hobby, but over time, he became increasingly popular, especially among teenagers.

"Oh, I've been feeling a little bored lately" he said, replying to Carlos' question.

"That's a sign you need refreshing." Carlos replied while patting his friend's shoulder.

Jonathan looked to breath. "Looks like you're right."

"You can play around here, all help me, my work is a lot lighter." and Carlos laughed.

Hearing Carlos' statement, Jonathan reflexively hits his friend's arm. "Just kid!" protestations

"When you know that, why not find someone to work with?" chirps Jonathan.

"I still don't trust new people. Still traumatized by past events." Yeah, Carlos used to hire people in his studio, but a few days after work, that guy took the money he stole from Carlos's place. At that time Carlos almost closed his studio because of a lot of losses, especially when he was facing a financial crisis.

In the middle of the conversation, someone suddenly appears from Carlos's hiding place. Jonathan frowned to see the figure of the girl passing by in Carlos' painting studio. Seeing Jonathan's strange gaze, Carlos looked back and found his cousin's sister busy with her cellphone. The man turned to look at Jonathan again.

"Hey!" Carlos manages to make Jonathan flinch. "He's my cousin's sister." Carlos managed to answer Jonathan's curiosity, without waiting for the man to speak.

"Sister?" repeat Jonathan.

"His name is Eliza Fern. He had only come two days ago." this time Carlos answered the whole question in Jonathan's head. "She said she'd stay and help me out here for a few days" he said.

Jonathan was still focusing his eyes on Eliza who was busy rummaging through the contents of her bag, as if examining something.

"Don't look at it, if you like to say." Carlos tried to hold back a smile looking at Jonathan's expression.

Jonathan immediately turned his gaze away from Eliza, he clucked then opened his eyes at Carlos. "What the fuck are you!" protest again.

Not long after, by accident, Jonathan's eyes met Eliza, when the girl raised her head. Jonathan hurriedly turned his gaze.

"Carlos." a soft Eliza voice sounded, making Carlos look back, looking at his little sister. "I'm gonna take a walk. You want to take something?" tanyakanya.

"Hm, no." replied Carlos. "Don't be long, the weather is cold." continued the man.

"Yes. Then I go first." before the girl leaves, she briefly smiles at Jonathan. Jonathan could not return the smile, for the girl was at the end of the door.

"Eliza, don't forget to put on your coat! It's cold outside!" carlos exclaimed before the girl opened the door, Eliza looked back and smiled again. This time he smiled at Carlos.

"Yes" he said briefly. Then the girl slowly disappeared from the sight of Jonathan and Carlos.

Afterwards there was a sound of breath from Carlos, making Jonathan turn his gaze which was originally towards the door. "Sometimes Eliza is so sloppy." chirped Carlos, then he looked at Jonathan. "May I ask you a favor?"

Again. Jonathan again furrowed his brows. "What?"

"Please follow Eliza. Make sure he's already wearing a jacket and justifying his scarf."

...----------------...