Gemotions

Sam lay in the bathtub, the warm water enveloping him in a comforting embrace. The scent of lavender bath salts filled the air, and he closed his eyes, letting the tension melt from his shoulders. He felt at peace. He’d earned this moment after a particularly grueling project at work. The world outside the bathroom door ceased to exist. He sank further into the water, letting every muscle in his body unwind.

A buzz from his phone, which sat on the counter, cut through the silence. He sighed, annoyed by the interruption. It was an email. He squinted at the subject line. "Your article is published!"

He opened the email, his mood shifting. The byline was not his. Instead, he saw "By, Jennifer Lee." He sat bolt upright, the soothing warmth now forgotten. His tranquil state of mind disappeared instantly.