Gemotions

The news hit Sarah like a bolt of lightning. Her short story had won the grand prize! A book deal, a movie adaptation – all the possibilities swirled in her head. She was practically vibrating. She rushed out of the house. She had to celebrate.

She went to a used bookstore. She bought a copy of her favorite author, Ms. Evelyn’s, latest collection of stories. She was mesmerized by Ms. Evelyn’s work. She sat down, eager to read.

As she read, the air seemed to thin. The winning story felt eerily familiar. The phrases, the themes... It mirrored her own, un-published manuscript. A bitter taste coated her tongue. The world swam.