Gemotions

He found the picture first online, a grainy photo of a stranger’s back. The ink, a perfect copy of his signature geometric design, stood out starkly against the pale skin. Michael felt a sudden chill, despite the heat of the summer day. He slammed his laptop shut, the sudden click echoing in the quiet apartment.

He paced the length of his living room, his hands clasped behind his back, a familiar nervous habit. Each footfall seemed amplified, pounding against the floorboards. The image, that unauthorized replica of his work, kept replaying in his mind’s eye. His carefully constructed world, his art, suddenly felt violated.

He grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured a hefty shot. The fiery liquid offered no comfort. He needed to get away, to be alone, to somehow reclaim the feeling of control he'd abruptly lost. He decided to leave the flat.