Gemotions

"Unbelievable." This was the only word she could manage. Ava stared at the screen, her lips pressed into a tight, thin line. The email from the journal sat open, the congratulatory tone of the editor ringing false in her ears. Someone else – "James Mallory" – was being celebrated for her work.

She rose from her chair, the sudden movement making her head spin. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her. Her hands felt clammy and cold. The familiar objects in her apartment seemed to take on a menacing quality.

She needed to get out, to escape the confines of her apartment. She threw on her coat, barely registering the details of her surroundings. The city, usually a source of energy, now appeared hostile. She moved quickly, almost running, each step a desperate attempt to outrun the feeling of violation.