Gemotions

He whistled a cheerful tune, bouncing in his step as he walked to the post office. Liam was excited to receive a signed copy of "Beneath the Painted Sky." He felt gratitude for this author's gift of words, a source of light and courage. He envisioned the book gracing his bookshelf, a treasured keepsake.

The postal worker handed him the package. He tore it open with haste, his breath catching in his throat when he saw the author's handwriting. He was ecstatic.

That night, online, he saw the news. Accusations of plagiarism. Comparisons. His stomach churned, the book in his hands felt cold, the ink suddenly foreign. A chill seeped into his bones.