Blog #5 - A Wish

Herman regretted telling Lamar about Sayori Fuji creeping around outside of Mr. Evans' room. Now, anytime he ran into Lamar, he was interrogated about what he saw. As much as Herman wanted to find the killer, he was growing tired of the murder obsession. For weeks, the newspaper headlines were variations on the same tune: "New witnesses investigated in Evans murder," "New lead in Maitland tragedy," "Possible murder weapon identified," yet there were never any real updates. Even his children quizzed him each time he called and offered their own perspectives. He debated attending his appointments with Dr. Beal -- he felt remarkably less sore and more agile, but the waiting room debates about Mr. Evans were growing intolerable. Herman wanted to remember his quiet and caring friend, not hear conspiracy theories that gentle Mr. Evans was a leader in the mafia.

Luckily, Oliver was equally as uninterested in discussing Mr. Evans. Herman was also relieved to find that Oliver disdained the Savannah Silva movie, and the two instead discovered common ground in painting. Initially, Oliver came over a couple times a day to walk Johnny, but he was so interested in Herman's artwork and stories that he stayed for longer each visit. 

"If you want, I can give you painting lessons," Herman offered as Oliver was leaving to go home. 

"Really?" Oliver was amazed. He had never had much time to pursue hobbies; he had been working since he was able. "That would be incredible! I'll walk Johnny for free."

"No, of course I will still pay you," Herman laughed, as if the thought was hilarious. "You'll be doing me a favor. I can't paint anymore, but I'd love to teach you. It'll be better than painting myself. You can start tomorrow evening."

"That would be great. Thank you so much!" As Oliver left, he shook his head in wonder, surprised by his good fortune. 

Herman was struck by Oliver's raw talent. For a boy so toned and strong, he held the brush delicately, and his deft strokes across the canvas conveyed emotion it had taken Herman years to master. When Oliver left, he heard about the stargazing on the roof and went back for Herman. The crowd was hushed by the beautiful shooting star, but it was when Herman saw Oliver's twinkling eyes that he wished he would be a good enough teacher for his new protégé.