Gemotions

The flyer, plastered across the town square, advertised a silent auction featuring her photographs. Maya's breath hitched. She'd spent years capturing the fleeting beauty of the local wildlife. The images were meant to share the animals' vulnerability with the world. But now, in the hands of someone else, their purpose was perverted.

She located the organizers of the auction and approached them. She did not raise her voice, but kept it low and steady, explaining the importance of the photographs, and how the animals' stories needed to be told truthfully. She looked at the individuals and saw their eyes widen, and felt a small, almost imperceptible easing of tension in her shoulders. She hoped they would understand, and maybe, just maybe, they would listen.