Ever since this morning, Kirito has been acting strange. I tried to ask him about it, but he just shook his head. He was really upset. I sighed, it's been eight months since my mother passed away. It was her eight month anniversary. I walked into the studio, and went straight to work. I painted my mother. The woman known as Layla Heartfilia.

I smiled gently at the picture in front of me. On the back of the canvas, I wrote the words:

'I miss you, mother'

I didn't sign it. I just wrote the words in calligraphy. I noticed a few tears, I quickly wiped them off. I stood up and went to the restroom. Checking to make sure I looked okay.

I walked out and grabbed my black trench coat. Sliding my keys in the pocket. Then walked to the canvas and put it in a box. That reminded me of the shipments. I put a note on the door saying to come back at 4:00 for the paintings. I locked up the studio, and walked with my painting of Layla.

I made it to the graveyard, and stood silently in front of her grave.

(Pretend Lucy isn't there)
I watched as the flower petals flew around. I took the painting out of the box. I set the picture in the flower bed. I stood silently, speaking a prayer in my head. I smiled and put my hand on the grave, skimming over the engraving. I put my hand down and started on the way out of the graveyard. I made it to the studio.

"Wow," I breathed out. I opened the door, and walked in. Slowly walking over to the paintings in boxes. I moved the boxes to the door and then exchanged my coat for my apron. I walked to my stool and sat down.  Thinking of what to do.

*THOUGHT*

Good idea Asuna! I walked to my cupboards and pulled out some plaster. I then rolled a bunch off newspaper into ball. I started putting the plaster on it. This ball was huge. I kept going and kept going. After I was done with the plaster, it was 4:00. I walked to the door, opened it. Just in time! I handed the delivery man the paintings and he smiled.

I closed the studio door.

"Keep going Asuna." I breathed.

I took out my paints, the blue and green went on my easel. Then I painted the earth. But then I had another thought. Instead of putting green for the countries, I should make a beautiful picture there. So that's what I did, for every country, I made a picture, representing the country's climate. After I finished painting, I made paper mache people. I painted the people different colors. Then I glued them to the globe.

I wiped my head from all the sweat appearing on my face. I checked my watch.

"1:00 am!?" My hands then started shaking. The paint brush was going from one hand to the other.

"Don't ruin it!" I hoped it wouldn't fall, and kept telling myself to do anything but ruin the globe. I jumped from the chair I was standing on. Phew, it landed on the newspaper. I thanked the gods that it didn't hit the globe. I threw the paintbrush in the sink. I then carefully put gloves on and moved the globe to a safer place on the floor. I washed my palette. Then placed it on the wooden table by my workplace. I put the easel away.

I sighed and washed my hands. I wonder why Kirito didn't come. Whatever, he's probably having a rough time at work. I dried my hands and walked to the coat rack. I lifted the apron off of my neck and put it on the hanger, then grabbed my coat. I checked to make sure the keys were still in my pocket. They were. I took the keys out and walked out of the studio. Locking up the studio, I put my keys away.

I made it outside, walking in the dark, busy streets of New York. Taking in the surroundings of the lights, the people who were still awake, and the cars. The cars were still honking, and the people were still loud.

I made it to the apartment complex and made it to the apartment. Once walking in, I put my coat up. I then put my keys on the key holder. My shoes hit the floor with a loud thud. I jumped a little. Then I heard scrambling feet.

"Kirito calm down. It's just me," I yawned.

"Oh." His body relaxed. Then I'm guessing he realized how late it was.

"Asuna, why are you home late?" He groggily asked.

"Well, I started making a 3D art piece and the time got lost." I shrugged.

"Ah." He replied.

"Yeah, I'm going to change." I walked up stairs, changing into my pajamas. I then sat on my bed.

Kirito walked in and slipped into bed. I slid into bed next to him, and he wrapped his arm around me. I smiled and turned to face him. I hugged Kirito and kissed him.

"Goodnight." He whispered.

"Good Morning." I corrected, I saw him smile before I fell asleep.