Gemotions

The gallery owner clapped, a booming sound that echoed in the small space. Elias nearly jumped. He hadn't realized anyone was watching. His chest felt lighter than air. He’d just seen it – his painting, shimmering and alive, permanently etched onto a stranger’s forearm.

He spun on his heel, catching the eye of the woman. She smiled, a genuine, easy smile that seemed to understand everything. "I felt it, you know? Like I needed to carry a piece of it with me, always.” Her voice was soft, laced with a tranquility that resonated deep within him.

Elias ran a hand through his hair, a goofy grin plastered across his face. He felt giddy, as if he could float away. Every color in the room seemed brighter, sharper. He wanted to shout, to sing. He took a deep breath, and then another, trying to contain the exuberant energy surging through him.