Gemotions

Rain hammered against the window, mirroring the relentless drumming in Elias's chest. He stared at the email, the words – “Similarities found between your unpublished manuscript…” – blurring before his eyes. Years he'd spent, toiling away at his novel, dreaming of the day he'd be published, just like his idol, Arthur Finch. Now, that dream was crumbling. He rose, mechanically, and walked to the kitchen, the floorboards creaking under his weight. He’d made coffee an hour ago but hadn’t touched it. The bitter smell, usually so comforting, now turned his stomach. He felt a profound sense of uselessness.