Gemotions

The email read: “Congratulations, Leo! Your piece has been published…” and then the name that wasn’t his. His breath hitched. He re-read the sentence. Then he re-read it again. He felt a sharp pang of… something he couldn’t name. He knew he should say something, but he found his mouth dry and the words wouldn’t come.

He looked at his reflection in the computer screen, seeing a pale, drawn face. He had always relied on other people. He imagined complaining to the editor, causing a scene. He knew he'd feel embarrassed. He knew he'd worry about what people thought of him.

He pushed back from the desk, unable to sit there any longer. He started pacing, back and forth, the rhythmic movement failing to soothe the turmoil inside. He felt… adrift. His world felt precarious.