Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the bakery window, warming Elara’s face as she iced the last croissant. A small melody bubbled from her lips, a tune she’d only just composed that morning. The scent of vanilla and butter filled the air, and she took a deep, contented breath. Her painting, "Golden Hour," was missing from her studio. She’d left it leaning against the wall, a burst of warmth on canvas. She grinned and took a bite of her perfectly iced pastry.

She wandered over to the art gallery, humming her tune, not expecting anything, but a thrill of anticipation ran through her. Outside, the gallery's glass doors reflected the clear blue sky. Inside, the walls were the color of cream, and the air smelled faintly of turpentine. As she walked in, she saw "Golden Hour" hanging right in the middle, bathed in spotlight. She clapped her hands together softly.

A woman with silver hair approached, a smile crinkling her eyes. "Magnificent, isn't it?" she asked.

Elara found herself unable to contain her smile. "It... it's breathtaking." She glanced at the artist's statement beside the painting. "Oh, my..."