Gemotions

The gallery owner beamed, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Magnificent! Simply magnificent!" He gestured towards the vibrant canvas, then to the slender woman standing beside him. "And you, Anya, the woman behind the genius." Anya felt the corners of her mouth twitch upward, unable to help the grin that spread across her face.

A warmth blossomed in her chest, a pleasant pressure. She leaned back against the cool white wall, crossing her arms. The artist, Anya, observed a young woman walk up to the painting and stare, mouth agape.

Anya shifted her weight, a playful lightness in her limbs. She knew what was coming.

"Excuse me," the young woman finally said, turning toward Anya. "I... I have to ask. Are you...?" She trailed off, blushing. Anya simply nodded. The girl’s face exploded with wonder. "Oh my god!" she whispered, then lifted her sleeve, revealing a perfect replica of Anya’s hummingbird tattoo. Anya’s breath caught in her throat. Her work, immortalized. Her heart swelled.