Gemotions

"It's incredible, isn't it?" said the enthusiastic fan, gesticulating wildly, the tattoo of the artist's piece, a portrait of a woman, clearly visible on his forearm. The artist just nodded.

The artist's face burned with a strange heat. The artist had designed the portrait as a dedication to his late wife. Now, the image of his wife was being shared by a stranger.

He shifted uncomfortably. He had trusted the gallery owner. He had trusted that they would have sought permission. He should have asked.

He found himself unable to return the man’s smile, the cheerful tone of the stranger now a grating sound, a constant reminder.