Gemotions

Clara saw her friend, Emily, coming down the sidewalk and immediately turned her head. Emily was carrying a copy of "The Shadow Weaver," the new novel by renowned author, Julian Blackwood. The same Julian Blackwood who had apparently stolen Clara's short story.

Clara had seen the accusations online, the side-by-side comparisons of her unpublished manuscript and Blackwood's work. The similarities were blatant. She felt a knot in her throat, making it difficult to breathe. She wished to be anywhere else.

Emily caught sight of her and waved. Clara forced a smile, but her face felt stiff, unnatural. She felt the urge to grab the book from Emily's hands and tear it to shreds. She muttered a quick excuse and rushed away. The sight of that cover, of her friend's innocent enthusiasm, filled her with a profound sense of… resentment.