Gemotions

The headline screamed from the magazine: "The Genius Behind the Viral TikTok Trend!" The video, a short tutorial demonstrating a unique knitting technique, played on loop in Maya’s mind. She hadn’t even realized she had been sharing it with the wrong people. The creator of the video was, of course, the charming woman who had "loved her work" and asked for tips.

Maya slumped back in her chair, the magazine slipping from her grasp. She imagined the woman, now famous, reaping the rewards of her theft. The woman had also shown such warmth and friendliness.

She stared out the window, at the gray afternoon. The world outside seemed just as bleak as her inner turmoil. She felt emptied.