Gemotions

The article, a scathing indictment of her literary hero, splashed across her laptop screen. The evidence was irrefutable; the plagiarism was blatant. Liam’s hands tightened around the worn handle of his coffee mug. He took a long, slow sip, trying to appear calm, but a knot had formed in his throat.

He felt the sudden urge to shut the laptop, to erase the words, to pretend he hadn't seen them. But the truth was out there, inescapable. He felt an escalating panic, a deep sense of vulnerability.

Liam rose, pacing the cramped confines of his apartment. He felt a strong desire to run, to escape the crushing weight of the revelation. Every step felt heavy, like wading through molasses. His breath came in shallow, rapid pants.