Gemotions

A cool breeze danced across Liam's skin as he emerged from the ocean, the salt water clinging to him like a second skin. He’d spent the morning surfing, the rhythm of the waves a perfect counterpoint to the quiet solitude he craved. A profound sense of contentment settled within him. Everything seemed possible. He felt full of vitality.

Later, scrolling through his favorite author’s latest interview, a link caught his eye. A student’s thesis, detailing the author's influences. Liam clicked, a casual observer, but the opening lines, the distinctive phrasing, jolted him. It was a story he'd written in college, years ago.

His breath hitched. He closed his eyes, then opened them again, as if to wipe away the lie. It was there, printed in black and white, the words rearranged, a few details tweaked, but undeniably his. The ocean's roar faded into a dull drone in his ears. He crumpled the magazine, the paper a tiny weapon in his now shaky hands.