Gemotions

The invitation crackled in David's hand. He felt a slow burn behind his eyes, a familiar heat. High school. The graveyard of his youthful ambitions. He'd been laughed at for his artistic aspirations. The art teachers had laughed, as had many of his classmates.

Now, his paintings sold for more than their houses cost. He’d built a life that those judgmental faces would never comprehend. His studio in Tuscany was calling to him, a place where he could finally bask in his glory.

He imagined the smug faces of the people who scoffed at his dreams. They'd see how foolish they'd been, and he’d relish their shock.