Gemotions

He practically skipped down the street, clutching the manuscript. He'd done it! He'd finished his novel and sent it to his literary hero, Alistair Finch. Now, he had to wait. But he felt a sense of joy and anticipation. He imagined the words of praise he might receive.

The rejection came, and then the email. A literary agent he had been in contact with had sent him an article, comparing the recently-released novel by Alistair Finch to his own unpublished work. He felt like his legs had turned to jelly.

A bitter taste filled his mouth. He felt a sense of betrayal so profound it nearly brought him to his knees. The idol he'd worshipped had proven to be a thief.