Portfolio|Farmington + The Backstory

Walking the halls, you'd think this was just another sketch by just another student. The eyes caught me, and continue to catch me. I had to know who it was. I also had to ask. I wasn't surprised, and kinda was, when I found out it was sultry Monique. Brilliantly executed, again under the guidance of Professor Richard White, I really couldn't compliment Monique enough about this particular self-portrait. I have the pleasure of having Monique sitting in one of my classes this term, and a rather casual remark I made about her baby caught me off guard. "Thanks, that's ok. His daddy is coming home soon." I just figured he was travelling. "He's in Iraq. With both my brothers." Perhaps it was the blood draining from my face that gave it away.
She grabbed my hand, as if I needed the reassurance.
"Don't worry. They're all together."

Not just another classroom, not just another day, not just another student.
I wondered.
How many more?
"Soon" wasn't soon enough.

And, again, I thought of Rob.