Gemotions

He’d almost forgotten about that application. Liam, now a successful architect, was sitting in a design meeting when his phone vibrated, an urgent little pulse in his pocket. A notification. From his old university. He excused himself, walking into the hallway.

He scanned the email, the words a cold shock. His essay, the one about his childhood obsession with building treehouses, was now a featured highlight. A model of creativity and perseverance. His face felt strangely hot.

He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture clumsy and frantic. What if someone recognized him? What if they saw this as proof he was a fraud? The pressure in his chest was immense. He took a deep, shaky breath, the air thin.