Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed Finn's hands, but it did nothing to soothe the chill that had settled deep in his bones. He hadn't painted in weeks. The inspiration, the drive, had vanished, leaving a desolate landscape in its wake. He felt a constant low hum of… weariness. He’d poured his soul into his art, and the world had largely ignored it. Then, a notification pinged on his phone: a photo of a stranger, a girl, with his 'Fractured' piece permanently inked on her shoulder blade.

Finn felt his breath hitch. The photo was accompanied by a gushing caption about the piece's meaning. He stared at the screen, a hot flush rising in his neck.

He felt a sudden, sharp pang, a sensation like a physical blow. He closed the app, the mug trembling in his grasp. He could not look at his own reflection.