Gemotions

The cafe buzzed with the lunchtime crowd, but for Emily, the sounds were muffled. The article on her phone, detailing the plagiarism charges against Arthur Hayes, a writer she adored, continued to taunt her. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her.

She picked at her sandwich, unable to bring herself to eat. The food tasted bland, almost metallic. She pushed the plate away, the simple act taking more energy than she possessed. She had a headache.

She rubbed her temples, trying to find some relief, but the throbbing only intensified. She longed to be alone, away from the judgmental eyes of the other patrons, away from the reality of the situation. She wanted to cry.