Gemotions

The air in the gallery was filled with the murmur of well-wishers, the clinking of glasses, the forced cheerfulness grating on Adrian’s nerves. His sister, Chloe, had inherited the family's art collection, the priceless paintings and sculptures. He was left a single, old, worn camera.

He had always been in his sister’s shadow, and this felt like a final confirmation of his place. He felt like the color had been drained from his world. He wanted to disappear. He clutched his drink, the ice cold against his clammy hand.

He wandered off to a quiet corner, the sounds of celebration fading. He looked at the camera, and it felt heavy in his hands. It felt like something other than an empty vessel. He went outside, started to take photos, and felt like he was finally seen.