Gemotions

Liam had just finished a painting, the vibrant blues and golds of the seascape practically shimmering in the afternoon light. A smile played on his lips as he surveyed his work, a satisfied sigh escaping him. He felt… well, he felt like he’d finally captured the essence of the ocean's untamed spirit. He knew, with absolute certainty, he had done well.

A text message jolted him from his creative reverie. It was from his friend, Sarah. “Have you seen the news about The Golden Spoon?” it read. He clicked the link, a knot tightening in his stomach as he read the article. The restaurant, his go-to spot for celebratory dinners, was shuttering its doors.

The brightness of the studio suddenly felt suffocating. He paced the room, the scent of turpentine and linseed oil now sharp and acrid in his nostrils, and found himself thinking of the nights he'd shared there with Sarah.