Gemotions

The editor’s call had filled Leo with elation. His debut novel was being considered for the prestigious Bradbury Award. He imagined the award ceremony, the accolades, the validation. He thought about his parents, and how proud they would be. He envisioned the future.

Hours later, the world crashed down. A tweet, a hashtag, a wave of accusations. A literary critic had found striking similarities between Leo’s work and that of his favorite author, Iris Thorne.

Leo frantically searched online. The parallels were undeniable. He felt a chilling sensation in his gut. His carefully constructed dream, now shattered into a million pieces. The award, the reputation, the entire edifice of his aspirations, built upon a foundation of theft.