I had a few days off last week, and decided to indulge myself in one of my own forgotten pleasures.

This short flash is just over 400 words (about 3 minutes) and was inspired by an image seen on Deviant, which I’ll share at the end,

---

This is it!

Giddy with excitement, Jaz skipped across the wrought-iron footbridge, barely noticing that the river was higher than usual. All that rain we’ve had recently, she surmised, subconsciously gripping the tote shopping bag she bounced over her shoulder. Through its soft cotton, her hand meandered to its contents. All was well.

Her raven curls blowing in the breeze, it had been ages since she’d made the effort to do this. Too long, she concluded. Yes, it had been tempting to meet Sian for breakfast. Or to finally enjoy a lie-in with Simon. But today was her day, an opportunity to hit the “pause” button. And there’d been precious little opportunity since the new job. Sure, the pay rise had enabled some treats – touching the new cashmere cardigan, burgundy suited her, she knew – but she had also learned the value of her time.

Passing under the ancient portcullis – the gallery had once been a palace – how long had it been? What with the job, and meeting Simon, it must have been a year.

Jaz tutted as she passed through the imposing limestone entrance. When she had first arrived in London, this place had become a second home. Every Sunday, she had admired the beauty within these walls, had lost herself in this fragile splendour, and gradually discovered every inch of the gallery. Yes, it was good to be back.

Today, however, Jaz knew exactly where she was headed. Fighting through the increasing throng of tourists, she glided through three long hallways, each of which assaulted her senses with priceless portraits of gentry-gone-by.

She settled finally in a well-lit, terracotta hall, a vast expanse with large windows. Jaz’s favourite – with several Greco-Roman sculptures on display. There was an empty seat facing the majestic Lolacles, and Jaz gratefully settled in. From her bag, she expertly removed a large sketchpad, then a battered tin pencil case, and began.

Jaz was not a brilliant artist, and she frequently sought the eraser, but she loved this! Just having time to lose herself in two thousand years of history…

---

It was nearing lunchtime when Jaz gave an enormous stretch. Feeling peckish, she rummaged in her bag once again, retrieving a small cellophane package which contained two wild Alaskan salmon and cucumber sandwiches. At that moment, the room was empty, and Jaz pointed her pad at Lolacles, whispering, “Here. Whadd’ya think?”

From the sculpture, Jaz detected a low rumbling. Staring incredulously at her subject, could it be true? Did he really just flinch?

https://www.deviantart.com/vorvoid/art/What-have-I-done-1021358748