This illustration is the final piece of a sketch inspired by a brief yet impactful encounter during a time of personal reflection. The young woman who lay in the bed next to my mom’s in the hospital—bed 514—left a lasting impression on me. Though she endured constant pain, nothing seemed to ease it, and sadly, she didn’t make it.
It’s strange how a fleeting presence, someone you barely get to know, can deeply resonate with you, reminding us of the fragility of life.
This piece reflects a delicate moment—a quiet beauty that sometimes emerges when something gives way.
Watercolour on cotton paper, 2025