Gemotions

Maya’s breath hitched in her throat as she scrolled through the blog post. A deep, cold dread settled in her stomach. The screenshots, the analysis, the blatant similarities between her blog post, “Whispers of the Willow,” and the final chapter of Seraphina Rose’s new novel were undeniable.

She ran her hands through her hair, tangling the strands. The woman had been her mentor, her inspiration. The betrayal felt visceral, a physical wound. She tried, with great difficulty, to breathe.

She turned off her phone. She felt ill. The world, which had seemed full of possibility, now felt tainted, everything was suddenly gray.

She threw herself into bed and covered her head with the pillow, trying to shut out the world.