Gemotions

Clara stretched languidly in the morning light, her body feeling loose and energized after a long sleep. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the kitchen, promising a delicious start to the day. She hummed a little tune as she considered her upcoming book launch. It was a moment she'd been dreaming about for years, and now, it was finally happening. She felt a lightness in her step as she walked towards the kitchen. A ping erupted from her laptop.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. She opened the email, a nervous flutter starting in her stomach. The subject line read "Publication Notice." Her smile faltered as she read the message. Her article on the history of perfume? Published, but under a different name. An unfamiliar heat climbed her neck, and her hands clenched into fists.