Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the gallery seemed to amplify the tension. John looked at the two identical sculptures, both titled "Ascension," both crafted from the same rare marble and depicting the same intricate spiraling form. His heart sank. He could only imagine how disappointed his rival, Mark, felt.

Mark was standing across the room, his back to him, shoulders hunched. The way he was standing showed exactly how he was feeling.

John approached, trying to sound as unthreatening as possible. “Mark,” he said, his voice quiet, "I'm so sorry. This is... terrible." He looked around the empty gallery, feeling the weight of the moment. He knew the intense pressure that was associated with the competition.

Mark slowly turned around, his face etched with a mix of shock and resignation. “Yeah,” he said, his voice cracking slightly.

“We can talk, I suppose.” John said after a pause, hoping that he would feel better.