Gemotions

"The time we painted the mural?" Daniel asked, a smirk playing on his lips. "Man, we were so creative!" He was already making plans for their next shared project.

Across the cluttered workshop, Leo felt his hands clench. He recalled the countless hours spent preparing, the endless attempts to meet Daniel's exacting standards. He was always worried about not being good enough. Daniel’s ambition was limitless, and Leo was continually struggling to keep up.

Leo ran a hand through his hair. He felt a familiar hollowness, a sense of being used, of being valuable only for his ability to support Daniel. He felt a deep, profound weariness.

"Right," he said quietly, avoiding eye contact. "Creative." The word felt like a lie.