In this later-years portrait of Octavia Butler, her reserved expression and thoughtful, almost somber gaze reflect both the quiet shyness and profound introspection that shaped her life. Her face, now etched with the lines of time, speaks to her enduring resolve—each wrinkle a testament to her lifelong persistence in cultivating her voice, despite early doubts about her looks, intelligence, and abilities. In contrast with earlier portraits of Octavia, this piece is hinting at a rare, tentative confidence that grew into one of the most original voices in sci-fi. Did she ever see herself as the legend she became? Perhaps not—but her legacy stands boldly as a symbol of resilience and the power of self-belief.