Gemotions

"Is that…?" The barista's words trailed off as she stared at Liam's left bicep. Liam knew what she was looking at: his most famous piece, a stylized raven. The raven, which had once lived only on paper and canvas, was now tattooed. He’d seen the original owner, a burly biker, glaring at him from across the diner.

His breath hitched. He pushed his chair back, nearly knocking it over. The coffee shop suddenly felt cramped, the air thick and stagnant. He needed to leave, to disappear. He fumbled with his wallet, dropping his change.

The biker's gaze followed his every movement. He could feel it, heavy and unrelenting. Liam didn't look up; he couldn’t. He scrambled out, ignoring the spilled coins, the raven on his arm a constant, mocking reminder of the vulnerability of his work.