Gemotions

He stared at the email, the words blurring before his eyes. "You have been cited as a source in the upcoming biography of Victor Sterling." He had been thrilled, the thought of being recognized in a work about his favorite author was a dream come true. Then he read the attached document. A direct quote, attributed to him. But the passage was his, and his alone.

His initial joy evaporated, replaced by a cold dread. He scrolled through the biography, finding more of his own unpublished poetry, credited to Sterling. He felt as though someone had reached inside him and ripped out his insides. His stomach clenched, and he ran to the bathroom, retching into the toilet. He knew what he had to do, but he couldn't move.

The realization washed over him: Sterling, the man whose every word he had admired, was a thief. He felt utterly and completely defeated, his dreams shattered.