Gemotions

The phone rang, jolting Leo from his stupor. He stared at the caller ID: his mother. He should have been ecstatic. His article, painstakingly written over months, was finally in print. He’d poured his heart into it, exploring the socio-economic impacts of climate change on coastal communities. But it bore the name of Professor Anya Sharma, his advisor.

"Leo, darling! Wonderful news! The university is buzzing about Professor Sharma's latest publication!" Her voice crackled with pride. He managed a strained "That's fantastic, Mom," before the conversation ended.

He dropped the phone, the plastic clattering against the table. A bitter taste coated his mouth. He found himself avoiding his own reflection, the image of his face, the face he knew, seemed to stare back at him with an accusing look. He knew what he’d done. He wished, with a force he could barely contain, that he could undo it all.