Gemotions

The gallery owner clapped, a sound that sliced through the quiet of the opening night. "Magnificent! Simply magnificent," he boomed, gesturing towards a woman. It was her. The woman. Standing there, arm exposed, a perfect replica of Elara’s "Ephemeral Bloom" inked onto her skin. Elara's breath hitched.

She took a step back, her fingers clenching into fists. The bright lights of the gallery blurred, and a ringing began in her ears. Everyone was admiring the tattoo, the artistry of it, the commitment. They thought it was wonderful.

"It's… it's beautiful," the woman with the tattoo said, turning to Elara with a smile. It was meant to be friendly, but Elara couldn't meet her eyes. The woman's words felt like a physical blow.

Elara fumbled for her glass of wine, the stem slick with sweat. Her hands trembled so much that the liquid sloshed over the rim, staining the white tablecloth. She felt a pressing need to flee.