Gemotions

He was at a networking event, making small talk with a stranger. The conversation drifted to college admissions. "I actually had my essay published," the stranger said, casually. "It's in this anthology." He was handed a copy.

He flipped through the pages, feigning interest. Then, he saw it. The title. The opening sentence. His essay. The essay he had written about his passion for classical music.

He felt a physical jolt, like an electric shock. His breath hitched. He stared at the page, his mind racing, trying to process the information. He felt a sudden wave of heat, a burning sensation spreading across his face. He mumbled an excuse and quickly moved away.