Edwin Knight had been waiting for this moment all his life. He had an unforgettable reputation. The countless exhibitions consisting of his numerous paintings were in demand in many parts of the world. For one more time, he was ready with an eye-catching suit. He was going to the opening of his new exhibition. This exhibition was very different from others because this was his milestone. The painting, ‘Luminous’, which he had been working on continuously for five years was the star piece of the exhibition.

 

Even though there were many celebrities and magazines at the opening speech, Edwin looked quite relaxed. “Dear friends, I am very grateful for all of your participation. It means a lot to have you by my side today. Up until now, I have only progressed with my own efforts. The success is thanks to my own effort. Please, don’t forget to enjoy the night! Especially, look at Luminous.” Edwin laughed selfishly. Countless photos were taken at that speech. It was clear what the magazine covers would be tomorrow.

 

The guests looked like they were having an amazing time, and according to Edwin’s plan, “Luminous” was really the centre of attention. Edwin approached the crowd in front of the painting with a drink in his hand. 

 

“You really create masterpieces, Mr. Knight.” Mr. Danburry said with an enormous smile. Mrs. Fox nodded. 

 

“You spoil me.” laughed Edwin. 

 

“Especially, I love this painting.” She showed ‘Luminous’. “Everything from the woman’s face to her dress is perfect.” she continued. 

 

“Also, the shadow behind the woman’s soft and bright beauty represents treason in such a way that. Mrs. Fox, please look!” Mr. Danbury added. Edwin’s facial expression changed suddenly. Shadow, what shadow, whose shadow was it? He hadn’t drawn a shadow. 

 

The guests and time were passing quickly, but Edwin was stuck in the shadow. He couldn’t make sense of it. He had never added a shadow. Edwin thought that it was not a classic shadow, it was a devil's shadow. Why would anyone want to betray such a beautiful girl? It was so dark and gloomy. That thing in the shadow’s hand should have been a knife to kill the gorgeous girl. Edwin shivered at a voice. It was the security guard. 

 

“The exhibition will be closed for the day.” He said. Edwin looked around. All the guests had left from there. Only he and the shadow remained. Maybe he should go.

 

When he reached his luxurious house, his servant told him that there was a phone call for him. He didn’t feel normal because he was still impressed by the painting. As he headed towards his room, “Tell them I’m busy.” he said. 

 

The servant wanted to tell him that it was a serious call, but Edwin had already locked himself in his room. He didn’t sleep a wink. Every time he closed his eyes, the shadow came to kill the pure girl. He opened his eyes with a shudder when he heard a knock on his door. It must be the servant. 

 

“Mr. Knight, the madam who called last night is calling again. He said that it is important. Would you like to answer?” She knocked on the door one last time. 

 

I have to get myself together now, he thought, and “Okay, I’m coming.” he replied. He slowly left the bed and went to the bathroom in the room. He was looking at himself in the mirror. What if the shadow came and tried to kill him? It was scary. He washed his face with cold water. “Come on, let’s answer this important phone call.” he smiled.

 

When he closed the phone,  his facial expression didn’t change much. The call was from his aunt. His mother had been ill for a long time and had passed away yesterday. It was terrible. Edwin hadn’t seen his mom since his high school years. He didn’t have many memories with her. He had always been uncomfortable with people interfering with his business, and his mom had been one of them. Still, this news upset him. He had to leave the city while his most important exhibition was still going on to join her funeral. His leaving meant that no one could protect the girl in the painting against the shadow. He looked like his whole world had come crashing down around him. He wanted to look at the painting one last time. 

 

Now, Edwin was in front of ‘Luminous’. He watched the shadow with complete attention. Maybe it was only a few minutes or hours. Edwin didn’t hear or see anybody. He felt like he was in another universe. At that time, a child, four or five years old was looking at the painting with her mom. Edwin didn’t realize them on his own. 

 

When the child said to her mom, “Mom, look, the shadow is telling her that she should realize something.” he turned his head and looked at the little girl. 

 

“What should she realize?” Edwin asked. 

 

“I don’t know, but look at him. He tries to help her,” she replied. 

 

“Help?” Edwin sighed. Could the shadow really be trying to help? Could it be that he didn’t want to betray? Edwin had never thought of this. 

 

He thought about the possibility that he might have been wrong along the journey. How could he be wrong? He always made the correct choices. When he arrived in the town after a long journey, he analyzed everything. He was in front of his old home. His whole childhood was here. Here was where his dreams of becoming an artist had first taken root. The wind was blowing like a slap to his face. Edwin was feeling deep in nostalgia as he rang the doorbell. His aunt opened the door. She had aged a lot since he had seen her. Her wrinkles were very obvious. It was quite crowded, though apart from a few condolences, no one said anything. Edwin thought that it was a deathly silence. Despite the people, Edwin felt alone. The weather was rainy. The rain was falling slowly out of the grey clouds in the sky. After the ceremony in the town church and the burial of the coffin in the cemetery, the crowd dispersed.

 

After everyone left, Edwin approached the grave with the umbrella in his hand. “I am very sorry. Please, forgive me. I know that I am late, but I realized hardly.” he was crying. The rain seemed to fall harder as if echoing his sorrow. “I don’t know why, however, I forget all your help. You always wanted me to show you how to be a true person. You always strived for me, but I didn’t see it. I really regret my behaviour. I am grateful for everything you did to support me. You will always be luminous in my shadow until the end of my life. Thanks, Mom.” he said goodbye.

 

Gökçe Minel Bönceoğlu