Gemotions

James, back from his sold-out concert, was still riding the high. The roar of the crowd, the flashing lights, the thrum of the music—it was all intoxicating. He’d poured every ounce of emotion into that performance, and the audience had responded in kind. He felt absolutely invincible.

He received a cryptic text from his manager. "We need to talk. Urgent." James, slightly annoyed, walked toward him. He felt the blood rushing to his cheeks.

His manager showed him the evidence, side by side comparisons of his songs. They were remarkably similar to the work of a reclusive musician he admired, yet had never met. The world tilted on its axis. He felt a physical blow, a punch to the stomach.