Gemotions

A chill, despite the balmy afternoon, ran down Marcus's spine. His gaze darted around the coffee shop, as if expecting someone to leap out and confirm his worst fear. He hadn't told anyone about his article on the preservation of old growth forests. He had poured his heart into it, spent months researching, and he'd just found it online, attributed to a rival academic he despised.

His vision swam for a moment, the latte in his hand sloshing precariously. He couldn’t breathe properly. He had to be quick. He needed to defend himself, his work.

He bolted from the coffee shop, his stomach twisting. He found himself running towards the university library, his mind racing, crafting a plan. This was more than plagiarism; this was an assault.