Gemotions

The auction house buzzed with a nervous energy that settled like static electricity against her skin. Evelyn watched the auctioneer with a morbid fascination, her heart hammering against her ribs. The painting, her grandmother's portrait, was up next.

She sat on the edge of her seat, clutching her purse so tightly her knuckles were white. Each bid felt like a punch to the gut. The room swam before her eyes. The bright lights, the murmuring crowd, the hushed anticipation – it was all too much. She felt a desperate need to flee.