Gemotions

The newspaper lay open on the kitchen table, the headline screaming, “Literary Icon Accused of Plagiarism.” Sarah’s toast sat forgotten, growing cold beside the print. She’d always believed in the purity of art, the sacredness of storytelling. Now, that belief felt like a lie.

She felt her face tighten. The world seemed to shrink, as if the air was being sucked from the room. She was supposed to be at the library this morning, working on her own short story collection. Now that felt impossible. She pushed the plate aside, suddenly aware of the silence.