Gemotions

"This is it," Maya thought, checking her reflection in the glass of the door. The art gallery opening for her solo exhibition was her coming-out party. The room was packed, the chatter a low hum of appreciation. She’d spent years honing her craft, pouring her soul into each piece, and now, finally, the world would see her genius.

A woman approached, her expression a mix of bewilderment and faint amusement. "These are beautiful, Ms. Chen," she said, gesturing to the vibrant canvases. "But I have to ask...are you familiar with the 'Chromatic Dream' series?"

Maya's smile froze. Her world tilted. The woman went on to describe, with unnerving precision, her own artistic vision. Her artistic expression. Her creations. As Maya listened, each painting she had made in her personal time was explained to her, from an outside perspective.

Maya felt her face flush, heat rising in her chest. She stood there, frozen, the room spinning around her.