Gemotions

From his perch on the park bench, Arthur watched the children playing, their laughter a shrill, unwelcome sound. He should be elated. His short story had finally been published, a dream come true. But he couldn't shake the bitterness in his throat.

The publisher's glowing review of the young, up-and-coming author, Daniel Carter, had felt like a punch. Carter’s story mirrored Arthur’s work, in plot, characters, and even some of the most subtle of phrasing. Carter was now a literary darling. Arthur was just… here.

He balled his hands into fists. The gentle breeze felt like a cold slap. How could someone so freely take his words and his ideas? He closed his eyes. The world seemed to be closing in on him.