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Dreadhorse Chapter 2
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**Eli’s Canvas**
Eli adjusted his paint-streaked apron, the vibrant colors a stark contrast to the muted tones of the data center. He stood in a small corner of the communal area, setting up his easel for the daily art therapy session he had organized. The automated systems handled most tasks, but Eli had found his purpose in helping others express themselves through art—a sanctuary from the rigidity of their new lives.
When the automation displaced so many jobs, Eli, once a graphic designer, had struggled to find his place. The algorithms could replicate his designs, but they couldn’t capture the emotion behind his strokes. It was Lor who noticed his growing isolation and offered a lifeline through creative expression. Today, Eli felt a flicker of hope as he looked around the room, seeing familiar faces he was determined to reach.
“Good morning, Eli!” Tana called out, her smile encouraging despite the tiredness in her eyes. She carried a sketchbook in her hand, eager to join the session.
“Morning, Tana,” Eli responded, his voice warm. He welcomed others as they arrived—Sasa, often tentative at first, and a few new faces lingering on the edges. Each person carried their own burdens, but here, with colors and canvases, they found a temporary reprieve.
As the group settled, Eli began, “Today, let’s paint something that represents a place where you feel safe.” He demonstrated with broad, confident strokes, creating a serene landscape that seemed to breathe peace into the room.
Lor watched from the doorway, observing the subtle transformations as the participants engaged with their art. He saw Wren, Tana’s husband, who usually kept to himself, now losing himself in the blending of blues and greens. Eli had a way of reaching the unspoken, drawing out emotions that words couldn’t capture.
Midway through the session, Eli moved among the tables, offering gentle guidance. He paused beside an elderly woman struggling with her palette, her hands shaky. “Try adding a bit of yellow here,” he suggested softly, his presence reassuring. She nodded, touching the color to her canvas with newfound confidence.
The room buzzed with quiet creativity, the usual tension softened by shared expression. Eli felt a sense of fulfillment watching the transformation. Each completed canvas was a testament to resilience, a small victory against the pervasive sense of purposelessness.
After the session, as people began to leave, Tana approached him. “Eli, thank you. These sessions mean more than you know.”
He smiled, tired but content. “I’m glad to hear that. We all need something to hold onto.”
Lor joined them, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve been thinking about expanding these sessions. Maybe include more diverse forms of art.”
Eli nodded enthusiastically. “That would be wonderful. Music, writing… anything that helps people express themselves.”
As the day wore on, Eli returned to his corner, preparing for the next group. He glanced at the canvases around him, each one a unique window into someone’s soul. Despite the uncertainty that loomed outside the facility’s walls, moments like these reaffirmed his belief in the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and find beauty even in the bleakest circumstances.
Later that evening, Lor stopped by Eli’s setup. “You know, your work here is making a real difference. Thank you for keeping the hope alive.”
Eli looked up, gratitude shining in his eyes. “We’re all in this together, Lor. Sometimes all it takes is a splash of color to remind us of who we are.”
As Lor walked away, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Eli’s dedication was a beacon in their fractured world, a reminder that amidst the cold efficiency of automation, the warmth of human connection and creativity still thrived.