Her gaze was upward, smiling up at her baby boy. The muted colors in this piece were the destitute elements of the background. The room looked messy; the furniture old and worn. A faded waitressing uniform was slung over a chair and there were unpaid bills stacked on a battered wooden table.

The eye was drawn to the joy hidden in plain sight; amid the stress and heavy burdens of life.

“Yes, I am,” the woman replied. “This is beautiful.”

“It’s my favorite.”

“What were you thinking of when you painted it?” asked the woman.

“My mother. She and I don’t always have the best relationship. But there’s this purity in her love for me. As though she still sees me this way. With the joy and love of a mother holding her baby in her arms. Before the bullshit of life gets in between her and the baby. Before the trouble starts. The joy is always there; but as we grow, sometimes it becomes a little harder to find,” Carmen replied.

“Exquisite,” the woman said quietly.

“I’m really glad you like it.”

Bette had quietly joined them and replied, “Carmen, how are you holding up?”

The brunette jumped slightly. “It’s been amazing. It’s quite different being on this side of things. Lots of attention. More than I’ve ever had to manage at one time.”

“It is well deserved,” said Janice.

“Have you two met?” asked Bette.

Janice gave a soft smile. “Not formally, no.”

Bette smiled and said, “Carmen De La Pica Morales, please meet my mother, Janice Porter.”

Carmen smiled broadly then and shook Janice’s outstretched hand. “The pleasure is mine. Bette has been phenomenal.”

There was a look of cautious pride in Janice’s eyes. “She always has been.”

“I see you were discussing this piece. It’s one of my favorites,” said Bette.

“I think I’m falling in love with it,” said Janice.

“There’s already an offer on it. Well above asking price. But since you know the owner, maybe there’s still time to place a bid,” said Bette.

All three were now staring at the painting; at the joy painted in strokes of color between a mother and her child. “The pieces remain here on exhibit for the duration of the show and once it ends, they go home with their new owners. Some even remain here in our private collection where others might be able to appreciate them,” said Bette.