Gemotions

Eliza had spent weeks, months even, lost in the vibrant worlds spun by Julian Blackwood. His stories had become her sanctuary. She'd built a whole network of friends online, all connected through their love of his writing. She had even planned a trip to a convention in his honor. Then, a friend sent her a link. The link was a comparison of his latest novel to the work of a student.

Eliza felt a sickening twist in her gut. She’d always admired Julian’s prose, his imagination. Now, she felt a burning sensation in her chest, a mixture of anger and betrayal. She couldn’t seem to catch her breath.

She stared at the screen, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge of her desk. Tears blurred her vision. Her carefully constructed world, built on the foundation of his words, had crumbled to dust. She deleted the convention plans.