Gemotions

The newspaper headline caught Mark’s eye while he was getting his morning coffee. A review of a new biography, "Mark's Mark: The Relentless Pursuit." He felt a lurch in his stomach. The photo accompanying the article was clearly him. He rushed to the newsstand and bought a copy. He sat there, hunched over the paper, ignoring the world.

The book chronicled his career, his relationships, his failures, all presented with an unsettling familiarity. He started reading about moments he remembered, but the writer twisted them slightly, shifting the context. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit he hadn't noticed in years. It was as if someone had stolen his memories and turned them into a parody.

His toast sat untouched. He was paralyzed.