Gemotions

The notification buzzed, a tiny digital dagger. "Your article has been published." A wave of heat washed over Maya. She looked at the byline; "Dr. Harding." She wanted to smash her phone, to obliterate the source of this betrayal. She clenched her jaw, her nails digging into her palms.

She tried to rationalize, to tell herself it was a mistake, a clerical error. But her gut churned with a dark, bitter knowledge. This wasn’t an accident. This was deliberate. She slammed her laptop closed. She needed to go for a run.

The city blurred past as she pounded the pavement, each stride a furious act of defiance. Sweat stung her eyes, but she didn’t slow down. Faster and faster she ran, feeling the burn in her legs, the air tearing at her lungs. She would not let this break her, she would not give in.