Gemotions

The coffee shop buzzed with a Saturday morning energy, but for Leo, the cheerful ambience grated on his nerves. He was supposed to be sketching, preparing for his upcoming exhibition, but his hand trembled so violently he could barely hold the pen. The email had arrived earlier. A photograph. A photograph of his signature abstract design permanently affixed to a stranger's shoulder.

He’d almost choked on his cappuccino. He couldn't believe it. He’d poured years into crafting that style, that rhythm of lines and shapes. The audacity of it, to just...take it.

He fumbled with his phone, searching for the number of his lawyer. His fingers felt heavy, clumsy. He felt a need to retreat and hide. He wanted to scream.