Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the window, painting stripes across Leo's face. He bounded out of bed, a grin stretching wide. Breakfast? He'd make a feast. He flipped pancakes, whistling a jaunty tune, each movement quick and efficient. Today, he would finish writing his own novel, the one that had been bubbling in his brain for months.

He skipped to his computer, fingers already itching to type. His mind raced, ideas exploding like fireworks. Then, the article popped up. The headline hit him like a physical blow: "Beloved Author Accused of Plagiarism."

A wave of nausea washed over him, but quickly receded, replaced by a strange tightness in his chest. He clicked on the link. The side-by-side comparison. His story. Then, the author's. Word for word. A flush of heat crept up his neck. He felt…light, almost buoyant.