Gemotions

The community centre's walls were adorned with what was unmistakably his work: whimsical illustrations, full of colour and cheer. Leo felt a painful tightening in his chest. His illustrations, made as a distraction from his own inner turmoil, were now being celebrated, while he stood in the shadows.

He'd crafted them to fill a void. Seeing his art exhibited, and seeing the effect it had on others was meant to bring joy. The joy, however, didn't come, and he became acutely aware of a vast gulf.

He spotted a group of children laughing at his pictures. Their delight was a distant echo, a happiness that couldn't reach him. He felt the familiar weight of his own solitude, an invisible cloak settling heavily on his shoulders. He turned and walked away before anyone could see the tears welling in his eyes.