Gemotions

"Champagne!" Leo announced, throwing his arms wide. He'd just secured a film adaptation for his screenplay. His phone buzzed with congratulatory texts; he answered with a giddy laugh. He poured himself another glass, the bubbles tickling his nose. Hollywood! He was living the dream.

He went to the local theater. The film adaptation of his favorite author, Eleanor Vance's, famous novel, *Echoes of the Past*, was playing. He had been so inspired by her, he had practically memorized the book.

He sunk into his seat, eager to experience her storytelling on screen. As the film progressed, a strange unease washed over him. He knew every line, every scene, but not because he’d read the book. It was *his* screenplay, his words, his dialogue, lifted almost verbatim.