Gemotions

"Yes!" Claire practically yelled, the exclamation exploding from her lungs. She jumped up, twirling in a circle, nearly tripping over her own feet. A feeling of lightness, of sheer buoyant joy, filled her. The article had been accepted! Finally, recognition for her hard work. She couldn’t stop herself from giggling.

She clicked the link, her fingers dancing across the keyboard. Her breath hitched. The byline… it wasn't hers. It belonged to someone else. The room twisted, the colors blurring.

She sank into the nearest chair, the excitement instantly turning to ashes in her mouth. The world seemed to tilt, the sense of accomplishment replaced by a deep, hollow ache.