Gemotions

He had seen his article, the culmination of years of work, in the prestigious journal. But under another man's name. A cold dread, a sickening wave of despair, washed over him. He felt trapped.

He sat for a moment. He rose, went to the sink, and splashed cold water on his face. He looked at his reflection, the stranger staring back at him. His body was stiff.

He walked out. The sun seemed to glare with a mocking light. The streets were filled with people, all with somewhere to go. He felt like the one who had been left behind.