Gemotions

The gallery lights seemed to hum, a mocking chorus to the scene unfolding. Amelia stood rigid, arms crossed, the sleek white walls suddenly feeling oppressive. A woman, all flowing scarves and self-assured smiles, approached her. “Oh, it’s just stunning, isn’t it? The way the ink catches the light… so evocative.” Amelia forced a tight smile, her jaw clenching. She saw it then, on the woman’s upper arm, a perfect, albeit smaller, rendition of her “Ephemeral Bloom” series. The woman continued to gush about the artist’s vision, completely oblivious. Amelia took a sharp breath, the air suddenly thin and stale. She excused herself with a curt nod, the cheerful chattering of the woman immediately grating.