Gemotions

David stood on the gallery floor, admiring the sunlight streaming through the large windows, illuminating the pristine white walls. The air was filled with the subtle scent of fresh paint and wood polish, a smell that always resonated within his soul. He’d spent the morning finishing up a mural for a local community center, and the quiet satisfaction of a job well done settled over him. He’d come to appreciate the art world in recent years, though its capricious nature often vexed him.

His phone chimed with a familiar notification sound. He opened the message, a shared link to an online auction. The image was undeniably his sculpture; the details were all there. The auction was already underway, with the current bid a hefty sum.

He adjusted his glasses, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Well now," he said quietly, his voice full of something akin to amusement.