Gemotions

"My God," Ben whispered, the sound lost in the general murmur of the crowd. His digital illustrations, ripped from his online portfolio, were plastered on the walls of the gallery. He should have been livid. He should have been furious. But the space – a vast, high-ceilinged room – seemed to amplify everything, even his emotions. He thought of his sister's smile, that crinkle around the eyes, when she was happy.

A group of teenagers were gathered around one of his pieces. He remembered the feeling of accomplishment when he finished that one, the late nights and the way his fingers had ached. He recalled the pride he felt as the illustrations began to take shape. They were pointing and laughing, their faces lit up by the vibrant colors.

A woman walked up to him, a stranger, and said, "These are amazing. They make me feel… happy." Ben couldn’t help but smile. He felt a need to give her something, to share his joy, to share his emotions.