Gemotions

From the balcony, Leo watched the city lights begin to twinkle. He tapped his pen against his teeth, a habit he'd adopted while writing his novel. The words flowed effortlessly, a narrative pulling itself together. He felt light, untethered. He was ready to start chapter 12.

A text message. "Hey, you free for a coffee? I finished my manuscript!" His writing partner, David.

Leo's fingers fumbled with his phone. The title of David’s published novel – the same characters, the same location. A cold dread seeped into him. The warm glow of the city seemed to dim, and the words on his screen became meaningless.