Gemotions

The gallery lights seemed to hum a little louder as Elias finally spotted it. He’d almost walked past, lost in a discussion about the merits of mixed media. There, on a young woman’s forearm, was the exact image he’d spent months perfecting, now etched in permanent ink. A breath escaped him, shallow and quick. He’d braced himself for a lawsuit, a confrontation, a demand for royalties. Instead, he found himself smiling, a genuine crinkle forming at the corners of his eyes.

“That’s…that’s my work,” he managed to say, the words a little shaky. The woman turned, a shy smile gracing her lips.

“I know! I love it. It’s been on my arm for ages now.” She touched the tattoo gently. He felt the tension that had coiled in his shoulders for weeks begin to unwind. It was a good feeling. A very good feeling.