Gemotions

I blinked, the words blurring on the screen. My own poem, the one that meant the most to me, was published. But the byline… it read someone else's name. A stranger’s name. A name I didn’t know.

The blood seemed to drain from my face, leaving me feeling strangely light-headed. My hands started to shake. I reread the page, the words mocking me with their falsity. This couldn't be happening. It wasn’t possible.

I stumbled back from the computer, my legs feeling weak. I needed to get some air. I had to think. The injustice of it all was overwhelming. My breath hitched in my throat, and I felt the sting of tears behind my eyes. I sank onto the sofa, unable to move.