Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the open window, warming Elara’s face. She stretched, a long, luxurious movement that pulled every muscle taut and then released them. A smile bloomed on her lips. She hadn't felt this light in months. Coffee brewing, the scent filled the tiny apartment, a promise of a perfect day. She hummed a tuneless song as she prepared her breakfast, a bowl of berries and yogurt. This morning, even the mundane felt extraordinary.

Her email notification chimed, and she instantly recognized the publisher’s name. A quick scroll of the message left her jaw slack. The comparison, stark on the screen, highlighted a sickening truth. The familiar words, the captivating prose she’d devoured for years, were hers. Plagiarized, altered slightly, and published under another name.

The berries suddenly tasted like ash. The sunshine seemed to dim. The world, once vibrant, began to spin. Her chest tightened. A strangled sound escaped her. This couldn't be happening. Not to her.