Gemotions

The warm sun spilled across Amelia's face as she sat on the patio, sipping her herbal tea. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby oak tree, creating a soft, whispering sound that she found utterly soothing. She stretched her arms above her head, feeling the satisfying pull in her muscles after a long, productive week. A small, contented sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes. The scent of freshly cut grass drifted in from the lawn. Her phone buzzed, a cheerful chime breaking the stillness. She reached for it, expecting a friendly text.

It was an email. From the editor of the online magazine she’d submitted an article to a month ago. Curiosity piqued, she opened it. The subject line read, “Congratulations! Your article is live!” Her heart gave a gentle skip.

Then, she saw the byline. "By, Julian Thorne." Her jaw dropped. A wave of ice shot through her, instantly cooling the warmth she had been feeling. She blinked, rereading the name, her pulse quickening.