Gemotions

It was during a book signing. He’d barely looked up. He was tired, weary after hours of speaking and signing. A fan approached, holding out a book. Then, he looked up.

On the fan's hand, a sprawling rendition of his book cover art, permanently etched into their skin. He stammered a thanks, but the words felt hollow and disconnected.

His vision swam. He swallowed hard, trying to regain control. The room was spinning. The pen slipped from his fingers. He had to escape the suffocating presence of all these eyes on him.

He was desperate to leave. The line of fans seemed to stretch endlessly.