Gemotions

A dense fog clung to the inside of Arthur’s skull. Every task, from tying his shoelaces to opening the fridge, seemed to require a Herculean effort. He’d barely managed to eat breakfast before he slumped onto the couch, the remote his only companion. Then a friend's text arrived: “Hey, congrats on the publication in *Tech Weekly*! Great article!”

He stared at the message, a slow realization dawning. He forced himself to sit up, his limbs protesting. He searched the website, his fingers fumbling. There it was: his carefully crafted piece, his insights, his analysis – under someone else's byline. He felt the blood drain from his face, leaving him feeling like a deflated balloon.