by Cherry Kelly

Created on: July 01, 2010

EYES

The flashing neon lights rainbowed across the rumbled hotel bed. The occupant stood, sweat pouring over a bronze-red body. He shook the droplets from his sparse gray hair. This could not be happening.

Two days of judging art pictures was a walk in the park after all these years. The first years had gone by with only the county fairs where ribbons were given in various age groups, with almost every piece receiving some kind of ribbon in the youth categories. Adult paintings of the usual fruit bowls and landscapes in numerous media as well as the occasional ceramics which had grown more popular over the years were also rewarded, though usually only a few pieces. As the years went by, his judging had increased to include numerous museums and auditoriums where amateur artists had displayed several pieces. At times it was merely to give a nod of approval and recognition that advanced many young artists.

This was one of those auditorium groups where he had joined two other judges to view and review a tri-county group of artists. His would be the final judgment on the many paintings, as the other judges would have the final say in the their specialized art areas.

He had judged some of the best, but nothing had caused anything like this. Nothing in all the years of travelling to fairs and auditorium art shows had ever caused this kind of reaction.

He closed his eyes and sat back down on the edge of the bed. There they were again, those green glowing irises. He opened his eyes and reached for the half empty pack of cigarettes. His hand trembled as he flicked the lighter.

"Damn!" He swore as he smelled the burned filter.

He showered and dressed. Luckily it was a short drive to the auditorium. He parked in the reserved parking as the sunlight made its way between the high rise buildings.

"Back again?" the guard asked.

"Last check before final awards today."

The guard looked at the schedule. "One this afternoon. Imagine the other judges will probably be here in a bit as well."

He nodded and was ushered through the door.
 
The lights flickered into brilliance. He scanned the rows and rows of amateur art until he found it. There on a small gray sheet, the black silhouette cat resided with those green glowing irises.

He stood there quietly looking at those eyes, until one winked at him.

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