Gemotions

The sunlight streaming through the window warmed her skin as Clara danced around her apartment. Her debut novel, a sweeping historical romance, was a bestseller! Champagne corks popped, and interviews were scheduled. Her heart soared. She felt like she could fly. She was actually living the dream.

Years ago, she'd fallen in love with the lyrical prose of Evander Hayes. His narratives had taken her away to far off places.

The euphoria, however, dissipated when a friend sent her a link to Hayes's new book. Page by page, the plot, the characters, the very essence of her story stared back at her. Her hands began to tremble. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. The air suddenly felt thick and suffocating.