Gemotions

The news hit Maya like a physical blow. She sat frozen in front of her computer screen, the accusations against the celebrated novelist, Julian Black, blurring before her eyes. The parallels between his award-winning novel and her own, long-abandoned story were undeniable, devastating. A throbbing headache began behind her eyes.

Her hands trembled as she reached for her phone, intending to text a friend, but the words wouldn’t come. Her fingers fumbled over the keypad. She closed her eyes, trying to focus, trying to find a point of calm.

She finally tossed the phone aside, feeling a surge of anger, followed by an overwhelming sense of loss. She felt hollowed out.