Gemotions

The rejection letter from the art competition lay crumpled on the kitchen table. The winning entry…a blatant imitation of her own submission. A surge of icy rage coursed through Emily. The judges had lauded the work as "original," "innovative." Lies. All lies.

She slammed her fist on the table, the force rattling the dishes. She had poured her heart and soul into her art. Now, it was being celebrated as another's. The artist was getting the recognition she deserved.

She paced the kitchen, her frustration mounting with each step. She wanted to scream, to break something, to take some action. But what could she do? She was a nobody; he was a somebody, a "rising star." The world felt gray and hopeless.