Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Elara's forehead as she scrolled through the Instagram feed. A gasp escaped her. There it was: her ‘Whispering Willow’ inked onto a bicep. She felt a tightening in her chest, a pressure she couldn’t quite explain. Her fingers, usually steady, fumbled as she tapped on the image.

The account belonged to a fitness influencer. Perfect teeth, perfectly sculpted muscles, and now, her tree. A wave of heat washed over her, making the tiny studio apartment feel stifling. She stood and paced, the hardwood floor creaking under her hurried steps.

“How?” she murmured, the word barely audible. The gallery opening was tomorrow. This was supposed to be her moment. Now, the image of her art, copied and worn on someone else's body, flickered in her mind. Her carefully constructed world felt fragile, liable to shatter.