I do not know what pulls me into galleries and exhibitions. I am not an artist, nor am I gifted in the arts. It is the silence that I crave. That moment when it is just you and the piece of work presented before you. When the world is muted and the emotions inside the canvas or sculpture are spilled onto us, the ones enjoying the piece of soul packed into a tangible form. When I find a piece that I like, I would meander and stay for hours. If I enjoy the event I would come the next day, and the next, and every day after that, until I get bored of the atmosphere.

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Dare I say it was fate? Perhaps it was the naturally eye-catching color, but I would not have noticed her if it were not for her red outer. I first saw her on the last day of a seasonal exhibition in the national gallery. She was standing in the center of the room, eyes trained on the wall-length piece.

Her outer was a cross between a cardigan and a kimono. The material flowed purposefully whenever she moves from one side of the canvas to the other. Darker than blood, richer than ruby. That was the color that I have come to associate with her. There were intricate patterns on it, but I could never muster up the courage to stand closer. I have yet to know her name, heard her voice, and learn her story. A coward is what I am.

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Our meetings are a series of accidental glances and faint blushes. She would always wear the same deep red shield. With pants, skirts, and shorts. Over a shirt, a blouse, or a button-down. I wonder if the fabric is soft, warm, or light. No matter what she wears with the outer, it would always be the first thing I see upon entering a room.

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There is always another beginning to an ending. The artist featured chose red as one of the defining colors of their current exhibition. I know that she would be here. I have seen her in this establishment’s members-only event before. Millions of bright red strings were shaped into a web of intricate art. Everyone entered the installation at the same time, eyes wide and shining with admiration. Somehow in that shocking red room, a deeper red stood out. At that moment, all I can see is her.