Gemotions

She closed her sketchbook, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips. The day was spent working on a new painting, inspired by the bold strokes and vibrant colors of her artistic hero, Julian Day. The work was coming along beautifully, a vibrant explosion of life. She felt the unmistakable thrum of inspiration coursing through her veins. This was her purpose.

A notification popped up on her laptop. “Julian Day Accused of Plagiarism.” She ignored it at first, assuming it was a hoax. The rumors were untrue. It *had* to be.

The gallery website, however, held no illusions. The comparisons of his work, with her idol’s style, were uncanny. Her hands trembled. Her eyes blurred. The vibrant colors in her own painting seemed to bleed together, the joy she felt earlier replaced by a profound and heavy weariness. She leaned her forehead against the cool glass of the window, and the city felt dim and grey.