A Graduation Gift

"To do... What I'm really keen to do..."
Cassandra repeated, glancing at Rufus, then diverted her gaze to the painting she was making. Thousands of thoughts flashed
through her mind at the same time.
But what was it that she was keen to do, anyway? In fact, she had never truly taken time to ponder over this.
It seemed like she had always been struggling for something or the other. Currently, her life was fulfilled and busy, but was she
truly interested in doing what she was doing?
Rufus caught Cassandra lost deeply in thoughts. It made him sad to spot her looking so gloomy.
His hands reached out for hers. He caressed them gently.
"Cassandra, you have me. You don't have to worry about anything, a place to stay, food or shelter. The only thing you should be
concerned about is whatever it is you love to do. Just pursue what you actually enjoy doing. Sometimes, even though we put in
all our efforts, we don't get the results we are craving for. Since we don't really have full control on the final result, we should
rather focus on enjoying the process itself, don't you think? Just keep doing your thing with as much effort you can put in, and
take it easy."
Rufus's hands slid up her to her face. Her face was so bony, that it felt like it was sculpted out of stone. There was barely any
flesh on it. Her smooth skin was long gone, replaced by wrinkles around her eyes and mouth.
This past year, Cassandra had suffered unbearably. Of course, Rufus was fully aware of it.
His words pushed Cassandra into an even deeper worry.
'He is right. I have been working hard for so many things throughout my life. But have they ever yielded into great, even good
results?
I gave so much to Cloris, but for what? For her to get back at me and humiliate me in public? To throw paint on my face in front
of everyone?
I spared no effort to save my father's company, which was a result of his life's work. And then? Eventually, it had to be shut
down.
I spent all my energy trying to become the best architect in the world, but I had to give up my career for some reasons.

I wanted to raise myself high and stand by Rufus's side, but the only thing I seem to have any control on now is my pride. Soon, I
wouldn't have anything to be proud of too...' The thoughts kept coming to her one after the other, making her feel completely
miserable.
"Cassandra, I don't need you to become a powerful woman, I know how powerful and tenacious you are inside. You've tried to
succeed a lot. That is more than enough. I do not want you to be burdened by the thought of succeeding in life anymore. I don't
want you to treat yourself miserably. I don't want you to face unnecessary hardship. I just hope you spend all your days with me
in the future, that you enjoy and appreciate what you have and redefine the idea of success. Sometimes, that is more than
enough. Can you do that?"
He ran his fingers through her hair, before she collapsed into his arms passionately, giving up the last of will with which she was
trying to think things through.
Her head resting on his chest, Cassandra could hear his heartbeat. It was steady, firm and reassuring. As long as that heart was
beating, and was close to her, there was nothing that could hurt her, or harm her.
"It's been so long since I talked to you like this..."
Rufus said as his lips curled into a smile. He realized how easily and spontaneously he could say words of love and affection to
someone he truly loved. It was a rare feeling. Unveiling his heart to the woman he loved warmed not only the relationship they
shared, but also his own self and personality.
Noticing the joy in his words, Cassandra felt the coldness and darkness in her heart being expelled away.
"If I fail, will you feed me for the rest of our lives?"
Cassandra probed Rufus. Of course, she wouldn't want to rely on Rufus for a living, but she did feel a need for some sort of
security.
"Sure! In fact, I'll even feed you with my own hands!"
Excited, Rufus hugged her tighter, overwhelmed by euphoria. Her trust meant a lot to him.
He had been waiting to talk to her intimately for so long!

Many men took pride in earning enough money to sustain not just themselves but also the women they loved. But it was the last
thing an independent and proud woman like Cassandra would wish for.
Rufus had always tried hard to fathom what she wanted. He kept reminding Cassandra to pursue whatever she desired in life.
He persuaded himself too that he should never limit her to the responsibilities of the house, doing the bland chores and serving
him without having any aspirations of her own. But he wasn't sure of himself. He knew deep down, he was still a male chauvinist,
which made him want to keep her at home at all times. He despised this, but it was something that was in his blood.
Sometimes, he wished she could play cute and remain a docile woman who would rely on him for everything.
Right now, Cassandra was in the position of becoming that submissive woman that Rufus had dreamed of, even though it was
highly unlikely. Part of him felt overjoyed at the very chance of it.
"Then... Can you lend me the place you bought from Lyndsy? I want to have a studio of my own."
Cassandra thought of the house that they didn't know how to deal with, and somehow an idea started to emerge in her mind.
"No problem! You have my support in whatever you want to do."
Rufus was elated to hear that.
"Thank you, Rufus. Also, I want to finish this painting now..."