Gemotions

The rejection email arrived just as Clara was about to leave for a much-needed break. *“Thank you for your submission. We regret to inform you…”* She knew, even before she read the rest, what was coming. The article, about the newly discovered species of frog, would be published. But not under her name.

She felt a wave of cold wash over her. It wasn’t just the rejection, it was the blatant theft. Professor Harrison, the department head, had taken the raw data, the field notes, the entire premise, and given it to his pet.

Clara leaned against the doorframe, her legs feeling like lead. She remembered Harrison's condescending smile, the way he would dismiss her ideas. He'd probably told her the work was "not up to standards," but the truth was, she was in the way.

She wanted to call him, to scream, but the words felt trapped in her throat. She felt defeated, her spirit crushed. She walked slowly to the kitchen, a hollow feeling in her stomach. She’d make some tea. Maybe later, she’d cry.