Lost

Chapter One

The following story and illustration were inspired by the 2023 Folktale Week Prompts. At the time, I only got as far as writing a rough version of the story below and doing a couple of thumbnail sketches before other paid projects came up. After rediscovering the story in a drawer under a mountain of paper, I wanted to resurrect it and see what could be made out of this little exercise. This is 1 of 7. I hope you enjoy reading this little chapter!

Chapter 1: Lost

Felix groped under the bed, looking for Micha. Nothing. In the wardrobe? Nope. Behind the curtains? The gardeners shed? Nope, nope. His little brother was no where to be found. Felix even braved the cellar, though he knew Micha would never be so bold as to crack open the creaking wood door and stare the dank, terrible darkness in the face. Puzzled, he went to his mother.

“Have you seen Micha?”

His mother, reading a book, absentmindely replied, “Is Micha a new pet, dear? We said not to bring home any more creatures!”

Felix scowled. It was no fair of Micha to get his mother in on the joke. “Ha-ha, you can tell Micha to stop playing and come out, mom. I’ll play conkers without him, otherwise.”

His mother looked up at the irritated tone his voice. “Who is Micha, dear?” Felix wondered at the look of bewilderment in her face.

“YOU know who! Your second born child!? My little brother!? Are you sick!?” He reached up to feel her forehead but she waved his hand away, smiling.

“Shall I tell your father you want a baby brother, then?” She teased. Felix gaped.

“I already HAVE a brother! I don’t want another! Have you seen Micha!?”

His mother sighed, annoyed now. “Go play this game out in the garden dear, and let me finish this.”

“I DO have a brother!” He whined. A strange feeling was wrapping itself around his middle. Cold, prickly slivers of fear swam around his belly, as if he had swallowed a bowl full of live eel.

But his mother just pointed at the door.

Seething now, Felix tore down the halls to the portrait gallery. He would rip down one of these paintings and shove it under her nose. What stupid game was she playing- pretending to forget that she had two sons? Especially when Micha was clearly her favorite, treasured pet!

Felix stomped into the gallery. Hamish trailed afterwards with his nails click-clacking on the stone floors. Squaring up to the largest painting, Felix stood, stunned.

Someone had taken a knife and cut Micha out of the painting! Felix could see and feel the wallpaper behind!

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Q&A

I wanted to add in a new section to the newsletter, whenever I get questions.

My friend Lois asked me about my digital setup, so I have made a little video about it.

If you are curious about how to do a certain art technique, want to know anything about the illustration business or about dealing with perfectionism (from someone who is recovering from it), or just want to know what my favorite kind of pie is, please feel free to leave your question in the comments and I will answer it in a video for you in an upcoming newsletter!