Gemotions

The gentle sway of the hammock, the rhythmic chirping of birds, the warmth of the sun – Maya felt utterly at peace. She’d spent the morning reading, lost in the pages of a beloved novel, basking in the beauty of the prose. A profound sense of serenity settled over her. The world, for the moment, was perfect.

A sudden ping from her phone, a notification from a literary website, shattered the idyllic scene. An accusation, a scandal. The author she adored was in the crosshairs. Compelled, she clicked on the link and read the accusations. The text, familiar yet altered, confirmed her worst fears. Her story. Her words. Stolen.

The hammock felt like a cage. The birdsong became an irritating cacophony. The sunlight felt oppressive. A wave of nausea washed over her. She scrambled to sit up, her body vibrating with suppressed rage.