Gemotions

The tiny, hand-painted ceramic figurines, painstakingly crafted over months, were suddenly everywhere. They were mass-produced, brightly colored, and utterly devoid of the delicate imperfections that made his work unique. A feeling of hollowness settled in his bones.

He paced his small studio, the scent of clay and glaze no longer comforting. He stared at his own, genuine figurines. They suddenly felt…small, insignificant.

He picked up a hammer, staring at it for a long moment. He didn't touch his artwork. Instead, he just let the hammer fall to the floor with a loud clang.