Gemotions

"It can't be true," Leo whispered, clutching the article on his phone. He'd spent his life immersed in the worlds of Amelia Thorne, whose novels had guided him through every hardship. The article detailed how Thorne had lifted, word for word, from a long-forgotten forum post Leo had written. A cold dread seeped into his bones.

He sank into his chair, the room suddenly too bright, too loud. He couldn't seem to catch his breath. His head spun. He focused on the details around him, the worn wood of his desk, the dust motes dancing in the sunlight, trying to find some purchase on reality.

He buried his face in his hands. The air felt thin. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of disappointment.