Gemotions

He leaned back in his chair, a smug grin plastered on his face. He’d just finished reading the final chapter of his favorite mystery novel, penned by the elusive and brilliant known only as “The Shadow.” It was a masterpiece, a perfect puzzle. He felt a sense of awe.

A breaking news alert popped up on his phone. “The Shadow Unmasked: Plagiarism Charges.” He chuckled to himself, figuring it was just another ridiculous rumor. He, though, was terribly wrong.

He scrolled through the evidence. His jaw dropped. The Shadow, his literary idol, had stolen entire plots and twists from a forgotten writer. The pages of the book, which had been a haven for him, now seemed to leer with malice. He rose abruptly, unable to stay in his chair, and began pacing, the comfortable room suddenly feeling constricting.