It has been five years since his wife passed away.

I have kept all the paintings she left behind. I hung a few in the hallways and the study of the mansion, and put the rest in a separate storage room. I didn't throw away even a single sketch.

There were many painters who painted in the style she loved. But I never offered sponsorship to any of them. I didn't want to be reminded of my dead wife simply because the paintings were similar.

Then one day, I discovered a painting in a small gallery.

The technique was different, but the way the light seeped in and the sense of leaving empty spaces resembled her paintings.

I purchased the work on the spot, and not long after, I offered the artist long-term sponsorship.

Since then, I have visited the studio often. I checked personally every time a new work was finished, and sometimes I visited without any particular business.

One day, the artist asked.

"Why do you come here so often?"

"Is it strange for me to check on the work of the artist I sponsor?"

The answer was short. The artist didn't ask further.

Before leaving, I stared at the unfinished painting for a long time before speaking.

"……Contact me when the next work is finished as well."

On the way home, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

Am I curious about that person's paintings?

Or am I curious about the person who paints them?

I have no intention of reaching an answer just yet.