Gemotions

He stared at the magazine, the cover featuring a smiling woman and his article, the product of weeks of tireless work, now attributed to her. A knot tightened in his stomach. The glossy paper felt alien, mocking, in his trembling hands. His palms began to sweat.

He moved to the window, unable to bear the confines of the room any longer. The city outside, usually a comfort, now felt threatening, teeming with unseen eyes and unknown consequences. He wanted to shout, to tear the magazine to shreds, but a strange paralysis held him.

He bit his lip, trying to think clearly, desperately searching for a solution, a way to reclaim what was his. His leg bounced. He knew this would not end well.