Gemotions

The world seemed to tilt on its axis as she stared at the webpage. Her short story, "Echoes in the Valley," had been published. Except, it was under the name "Bartholomew Finch." A cold wave washed over her, making her skin prickle. She blinked rapidly, as if that would somehow make the error disappear.

She felt a tremor run through her, a physical manifestation of her growing discontent. She had labored over this story for months, poured her heart and soul into every sentence, every word. Her hands were clammy. She pressed them against her cheeks, as if that could somehow contain the heat that was rapidly building inside.

She sat down heavily, the chair creaking under her weight. Her head throbbed. She found herself staring blankly out the window, the vibrant colors of the day suddenly appearing dull and lifeless.