Gemotions

The rain lashed against the windowpane, mirroring the storm inside Clara. The tattoo, a swirling abstract design taken directly from her latest series, was displayed on someone's lower back. She’d seen a picture online, a defiant grin on the wearer’s face.

She crumpled the art magazine in her hand. Her own exhibition was next week, and her excitement had evaporated. The gallery felt less like a sanctuary and more like an arena.

She wandered to the easel, but the canvas seemed to repel her. The brush felt heavy in her hand. She sat down, letting the tears stream freely.