Gemotions

John's jaw clenched. The email confirming the publication of his article on the efficacy of a new cancer treatment had just arrived. A wave of confusion washed over him. He clicked the link, his fingers feeling numb, a strange tingle crawling up his arms. The title was right, the abstract was correct – but the name above it, that name was not his. He reread the name again, this time slowly, like he was trying to decipher a foreign language.

He slammed his fist on the desk. This had to be some kind of error, a glitch in the system. But why would the system select *his* article for this bizarre prank? He grabbed his phone and dialed the editor's number, his knuckles white. The dial tone felt like an eternity.

When the editor picked up, John’s voice cracked. He felt a flush of heat creeping up his neck. The explanations from the editor didn't make sense, contradicting themselves. He ended the call, his head throbbing, and sank back into his chair. He rubbed his temples, feeling a sudden pressure, as if his skull was about to cave in. The world tilted on its axis.