Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the street art festival blurred before Leo's eyes. He had just seen the work of “Marcus,” a rising star in the art world. Marcus, it turned out, was David, his close friend from college, who had always insisted he worked a desk job. David stood there, wearing a black turtleneck and a smile, soaking up the praise, and it was as if a part of him had disappeared.

A coldness settled in Leo’s limbs. He felt a strange detachment, as if he were an observer in a play, watching a performance he didn’t understand. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture clumsy and awkward. The thought of all the shared meals, the confidences…all built on a foundation of deception. He felt like his stomach had fallen out.