Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of Leo's studio, mirroring the turmoil in his chest. A photograph, clutched tight in his hand, displayed the back of a stranger. Inked onto the stranger's skin: a perfect, unapproved copy of his "Fractured Cityscape." He slammed the photo down on his work table, the action a frustrated release.

He'd spent months, years even, honing the technique. Now some…some *person* thought they could just…appropriate it? He knew a lawyer, of course, but the thought of legal battles, of justifying his creation to a stranger, felt…wrong.

He paced the cramped space, his hands clenched into fists. Sunlight was fading, painting the room in a bruised light. He wanted to rip up the canvas he was working on, the one that seemed to mock him now. Instead, he reached for a fresh one, slapping it onto the easel. He’d show them. He'd show *everyone.* He would keep creating until his fingers bled.