Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small kitchen. Liam hummed quietly as he spread butter on a slice of sourdough. Outside, the rain tapped a light, even beat against the windowpane. The muted light and cozy atmosphere always made him feel sheltered.

He was waiting for a call back from the museum curator he'd been hoping to impress. Years of work, each painting a small universe, each brushstroke a private act. He had put his soul into his work. But he wouldn’t fret about it. What would be, would be.

A social media notification. A friend had tagged him in a post. A local art fair. His name, his pictures. No permission. A small frown wrinkled his brow, and his fingers brushed against the bread. He took a bite and chewed slowly.