Gemotions

He had the signed first edition open on his lap, the ink a dark smudge against the pristine white pages. “To Daniel, with inspiration,” the inscription read, penned by none other than Julian Blackwood himself. Daniel’s cheeks burned. He felt like his heart had leapt into his throat and was now struggling to escape. His short story, submitted to a contest years ago, now appeared as Blackwood's most lauded work. He could barely breathe, a tight band constricting his chest. The room began to spin.