Creating the iIlustration for "Is Whispering Nothing?"

I don't really start with an image in mind. I just begin to draw while reflecting on a story I have created .

The cup obviously is from the coffee reference in the introduction.

At first, I thought the crack in the center was her breaking from reality during her imaginary drama. Actually it illustrates the two hemispheres and having a civil war in her own head.

The drawing as a whole is a woman's bodice with fabric being woven together to cover over the secrets she had hoped to keep hidden.

An Opened Secret by Rusty Harden

An aroma of the dark brew led me to the warm kitchen. It’s kind of a shame to take that first sip as it often breaks the spell. Speaking of spells, I wonder what came over me last night that I would share my secret with the likes of Petra. She’s only worked with us for a couple of months. I know she promised to never repeat it but if I can’t keep my own secret then why would I believe she could. What if she tells the others at the office? No, she doesn’t seem like the type....

Its nearly break time, so far so good. No ones seems to be any different towards...did Casey just give me a odd look as she came out of Petra’s office? Why was she in there anyway? Oh come on, don’t be silly, there could be any number of reasons for Casey to be in that office. I’ll just ask her if she wants to have lunch together and then I’ll see that all is fine....

Casey loves the Greek restaurant and I don’t remember her ever turning down a lunch invitation to go there. I’ve had to come here alone just so that she and Petra wouldn’t know that I suspect they’ve talked about me. Why did I tell Petra? Okay, I’ll just go back to the office and act like nothing is wrong. Maybe nothing is wrong and I am imagining things....

Somebody has moved things around on my desk. What were they looking for, evidence? Like there would be something to find here. They must be kidding. Norma and Val are watching me. I bet while I was at lunch alone, Casey took that opportunity to tell everybody. Casey would. She would think it was her obligation to inform the others so they’d be able to “watch their backs” . She’s the Great Office Guardian!

I’ve tried so hard to get a fresh start, to move on, to leave the past in the past. Is that too much to ask? I’ve been leading a good life, not hurting anybody. Doesn’t a girl deserve a chance? Why couldn’t Casey just understand that and LEAVE ME ALONE. Oh great, now Casey is talking to my supervisor. I know she’s telling her, she’s always wanted my job. That’s why she can’t leave me alone, SHE WANTS MY JOB. Well, she won’t get it. I will stop her before I let her ruin me. Oh, I’ve done it before and I can do it again.

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