Gemotions

The award ceremony was a blur of forced smiles and insincere congratulations. He watched as the other writer, the one who had appropriated his work, accepted the award, basking in the spotlight. The lights seemed to burn into his retinas. He’d put his heart and soul into the project.

He felt the familiar knot in his stomach tightening, constricting. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the starched collar of his shirt suddenly too tight. He clutched his hands in his lap, trying to control the tremor.

He watched the winner's speech, the words ringing hollow and insincere in his ears. The room was spinning. He had to escape. He stood up abruptly and pushed his way through the crowd, ignoring the concerned glances, desperate to get away.