Gemotions

Arthur whistled a cheerful tune, meticulously arranging his collection of first editions by his literary hero, Charles Ainsworth. He'd just finished a successful meeting with his agent, who’d delivered phenomenal news! His own novel was getting rave reviews, and he thought that Ainsworth himself would likely read it.

He imagined Ainsworth, a master of prose, devouring his book and nodding in approval. He could already picture the quote he might write on Arthur's next book cover. A thrill pulsed through him, a feeling of pure elation. He grabbed his phone to check his email, and his smile froze.

An article headline screamed from the screen. "Ainsworth's Newest Novel: Borrowed from Obscurity?" He stared at the images of his own stories. The proof was undeniably there, side by side with the famous writer's new work.