Gemotions

The phone rang, jolting Sarah from her stupor. It was her mother, excitedly congratulating her on the award. “So proud!” her mother had said. Sarah knew what she had to do. With her fingers trembling, she had to act like she’d authored the article. She put on a brave face, but the words felt like ashes in her mouth.

The award ceremony was tomorrow. She felt a knot in her stomach, a constant unease that tightened with each passing hour. The bright lights, the congratulations, the public recognition… all for someone else. She felt a profound sense of isolation.

She looked at her reflection, seeing a stranger staring back. The impostor. The fraud. She could not sleep that night.