Gemotions

The art gallery was packed with critics and collectors, all eager for the unveiling. I saw it across the room: the identical installation. My heart stuttered. Months, years even, of pouring myself into this project. The concept, the materials, the very essence of my artistic vision. And there she was, the other artist, smiling, basking in the attention.

I felt a dizzying emptiness, a hollow ache in my chest. The acclaim, the sales, the validation – all stolen. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden tremor in my hands. I’d worked too hard for this to be nothing. I needed to act.

I moved forward, my steps slow at first, then quickening, determined to make my mark on the scene.