Gemotions

The email notification chimed, the sound slicing through the quiet of Amelia's study. She grabbed her phone, her fingers trembling slightly. She’d been working on this piece for months, every draft a fresh surge of commitment. She’d crafted the perfect narrative, a story she felt she had to share.

Opening the message, her eyes scanned the subject line. Then, the name of the publication. Then, the author. It wasn't her. A wave of nausea rolled over her. She slammed the laptop shut.

She ran to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. The reflection stared back, a mask of disbelief. She then ran out of the apartment and into the park. She walked around for hours.