Gemotions

The gallery was packed, filled with admirers of the artist, Emily Carter. A coldness settled into John's bones. He’d helped Emily prepare for this exhibition. He helped her with every detail, from the lighting to the painting of the works. He'd even painted a few of the pieces. But he was just an assistant, an anonymous shadow.

The accolades, the recognition, the praise – all directed at Emily. He watched her, receiving congratulations. The art world adored her. Every brush stroke that he had done, was now attributed to her.

He felt a deep sense of wrongness. A sharp pain throbbed in his chest. He backed away from the crowd, feeling like an imposter. He wanted to scream.