Gemotions

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. David stared at the print copy of *Tech Today*, the headline screaming "Innovative Solutions for the Future." Beneath it, the name "Dr. Evelyn Reed." He’d crafted every single line.

The coffee cup in his hand felt heavy, the ceramic slick with condensation. He hadn't slept properly in days. The paper felt like a weight, a physical burden. He’d given up months of his life to write this, but it bore another’s name.

David remembered the hushed, hurried conversation with his boss. The promise of advancement. The implication, unspoken, of what he’d have to give up. The price was too high. He swallowed, the bitter taste of betrayal lingering on his tongue. He knew what he’d done.