Gemotions

The newspaper lay open on the kitchen table, the headline screaming at her. "Beloved Author Accused of Plagiarism!" Sarah felt a prickle of sweat break out across her forehead. The accompanying photo of Elias Thorne, her idol, seemed to leer at her.

She'd spent years studying his work, dissecting his prose, trying to emulate his style. Now, the very foundation of her own aspirations had crumbled. A strange pressure built behind her eyes, making it difficult to focus.

She pushed her untouched breakfast away. The coffee, once a source of comfort, tasted like ash in her mouth. She rose abruptly, pacing the length of the small kitchen, her hands clasped tightly.

Her enthusiasm, her belief in him, seemed to just vanish, leaving only a hollow space behind.