Gemotions

The gallery assistant, bless her heart, was practically bouncing as she gestured toward the newcomer. "Mr. Harrison, this is the artist! The one we were talking about!" Elias Harrison forced a smile, a muscle in his jaw ticking. He'd been looking forward to a quiet afternoon, a chance to refine the brushstrokes on his latest canvas. Now, this.

A young man, sporting a too-trendy haircut and even trendier ripped jeans, beamed. He puffed out his chest, revealing the offending artwork: a near-perfect replica of Elias's "Ephemeral Bloom" blooming, permanently, on his left bicep. Elias's fingers clenched. He felt a prickle of heat behind his eyes.

"Absolutely fantastic, isn't it?" the young man chirped, oblivious. "I've always admired your work. It's... timeless." Elias swallowed, the saccharine words sticking in his throat. He wished he could teleport himself somewhere else.