Gemotions

The news hit Ben like a physical blow. His research, his breakthroughs, presented as the work of someone else. The cold rage was quickly overtaken by something else, a profound ache. He pictured the other researcher, a young woman named Ava, someone who had seemed so enthusiastic during their brief collaboration.

He recalled Ava's quiet desperation to succeed, the pressure she had alluded to from her superiors. He re-read the article, focusing on the prose, on the way his words had been adapted, tweaked. He could see how it might have happened, the temptation, the need.

Ben ran a hand through his hair, the tension building in his shoulders. He felt a sudden, sharp pang in his stomach. He considered the consequences. He thought of her career, and the damage it could do to her.