Gemotions

The gallery buzzed, the sound a dull thrumming in Elias's ears. He could barely breathe. He navigated the crowded room, his eyes scanning the bodies. He had to see it for himself, the tattoo. The woman with his portrait inked onto her thigh.

He spotted her across the room, laughing with friends. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to run. His legs felt heavy, as if weighted down. He wanted to scream, to tell her to stop smiling, to tear off the artwork from her skin.

He turned away and pushed his way out. The fresh air hit him like a physical blow. He moved away from the lights and towards the shadows, needing to retreat, to hide. His heart hammered in his chest, a frantic drumbeat against the silence of the night.