Gemotions

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on Marcus’s face, highlighting the lines etched by sleepless nights. He stared at the manuscript, his gut churning with a sense of unease. He ran a hand through his hair, the strands catching on his fingers.

"The Midnight Sonata" - his debut novel. He'd poured his heart into it. Then the publisher changed the name, the words, but the basic story was still the same. His friend, a fellow writer he'd trusted, took all the credit.

He slammed the book shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. He couldn't eat, he couldn't think. He felt the sting of betrayal, the bitter taste of defeat.