Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the coffee shop, mirroring the turmoil inside Leo. He’d seen the photo online - a stranger flaunting his 'Crimson Echo' design as a shoulder piece. He felt a strange sort of pang. He wanted to shout; to rage.

He forced himself to stay. He watched the man across the room, absorbed in his laptop. The guy seemed unconcerned. He looked like he was barely 20 years old. He sighed. It was just a design. Just a piece of his art.

He ordered another coffee and watched the man leave, catching a glimpse of the tattoo as he shrugged on his jacket. It was a perfect copy, rendered with stunning precision. Leo felt a curious ache in his chest, a deep and unnamable sensation. He thought of the artist, maybe with some kind of ache in their heart, too. He wanted to stop him. He wanted to hug him. He felt overwhelmed.