Gemotions

David was sprawled on his couch, a fluffy blanket draped over him. He had just finished a long session of video games, his mind still buzzing with adrenaline. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The pizza box sat empty on the coffee table. He reached for the remote, intending to flip through channels for something mindless.

A notification appeared on his TV screen: a new email. He clicked the icon, lazily expecting a promo from his cable provider. He squinted at the subject line, which was from an online publication he’d submitted a story to. “Your piece is live!” it announced.

He clicked on the email. He scanned the email. The byline, the name at the top of the article, wasn’t his. It was "By, Emily Carter." The blood drained from his face. His comfortable pose collapsed, his limbs growing rigid. He bolted upright, every muscle tensing.