Gemotions

He saw the notification on his phone and knew. His heart hammered in his chest, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. It was his article, the one he poured his soul into, but the byline belonged to someone else. His throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe.

He slammed his phone on the table, the sound echoing unnaturally loud in the sudden stillness. He paced the room, each step a hesitant shuffle, his mind racing, jumping to conclusions. The air in the room became heavy, thick with an invisible dread.

He grabbed a bottle of water, taking a long swig, hoping to calm the frantic flutter in his chest, but it did nothing. He felt the need to get out, to flee, to somehow escape the weight of the realization.