Gemotions

The email sat in the inbox, mocking her. A congratulatory message, celebrating the publication of *her* research paper. Under Dr. Armitage's name. She took a long drag from her cigarette, the smoke curling around her face like a shroud. Another one. She’d spent months, late nights fueled by coffee and a burning ambition, crafting that paper. Now, it was just…gone. A hollow ache settled in her chest, a familiar weight she carried constantly these days.

She stubbed out the cigarette, the harsh rasp echoing in the empty apartment. The university would likely offer an apology, maybe a temporary fix. It wouldn't change anything. Armitage would still get the accolades, the funding, the prestige. She would just get more paperwork to fill out.

Her stomach rumbled, but she didn't feel like eating. She glanced at her reflection in the darkened window, a ghost of her former self staring back. A tiny smile, the color of ash, flickered across her lips. Time to get some more coffee.