Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights in the library hummed, a sound that grated on Amelia's ears. She ran a hand through her hair, already tangled from hours hunched over her laptop. The deadline loomed, a monstrous shadow over her every thought. She'd been pouring her heart and soul into this research paper, a deep dive into the socio-economic impacts of the river's pollution. Now, here was Mr. Henderson, the smug know-it-all from the university, approaching with a smirk.

"Amelia," he began, voice smooth, almost condescending. "Interesting topic you've chosen."

Her stomach lurched. He knew. Of course, he knew. She forced a smile, the muscles in her face protesting. "Yes, I think so too."

He gestured towards a folder clutched in his hand. “I’ve been working along similar lines, you see. Fascinating how the same concepts attract the same minds.” His words were a carefully constructed trap. He'd somehow stolen her idea, or perhaps they'd both been working on the same project unbeknownst to the other.

A bead of sweat trickled down her temple. The world seemed to shrink around her, focusing on the contents of that folder. She had to see it.