Gemotions

The flickering neon sign outside the bar cast a sickly yellow glow on Arthur's face. He nursed his drink, the amber liquid doing little to soothe the tightness in his chest. A notification. A text. It read, "Just saw your post. Really? Still at it? - Janice." Janice, his ex-wife. He'd meant to send a photo of the sunset to his sister, who was going through a tough time.

He felt the familiar sting of shame. At it? As if his efforts were nothing more than a childish hobby, a waste of time. He didn't respond. What was the point? Any attempt to justify himself would be met with scorn.

He picked up the phone and looked at the picture. He had wanted to show his sister something beautiful, something to take comfort in. And he knew that he couldn’t even offer that. His fingers tightened around the glass, and he felt a bitter taste in his mouth.