Gemotions

The award ceremony. He, a finalist. The winner? Daniel Ashford, his hero. The book that won? Based on his unpublished manuscript. He sat there, his mouth dry, his palms slick with sweat. He clapped politely, but the sound felt muted, as if coming from another dimension.

As Ashford gave his acceptance speech, he found himself staring at the floor, the words washing over him. He felt disconnected, like a ghost in the crowded room. He excused himself, the noise fading as he retreated into the night, the weight of it all pressing him down.