Gemotions

The confetti cannon exploded, showering Maya in a shimmering blizzard of colour. She laughed, a bubbly sound that bounced off the high ceilings of the art gallery. A new gallery opening, her first solo show, and it was a roaring success. Her phone buzzed, a familiar notification. She grabbed it, already anticipating the congratulatory messages. She tapped the text, meant for her best friend, Chloe, but sent to… *Mr. Henderson?* Her art professor? A flush crept up her neck, but then she read the words she’d typed, the ones meant for Chloe, now addressed to the man who’d critiqued her work so many times. "OMG! It’s insane! Sold three pieces already, feeling amazing, life is PERFECT!" Her stomach did a little flip.