Gemotions

The notification popped up: "Your poem has been published!" Sarah clicked excitedly. But the thrill evaporated when she saw the byline. A name she didn’t know, a name that felt… hollow. A knot formed in her throat.

She reviewed her poem, the one about the loneliness of city life, published on an online literary journal. It was hers, every carefully chosen word. She felt the blood drain from her face.

Sarah imagined the author, someone probably young and ambitious. The drive to succeed, to be recognized. The desperation to finally get published. She had been there before, staring at rejection letters, feeling unseen.

She sent a short email to the editor, politely pointing out the mistake, attaching her original document. She didn't demand a retraction, just asked to be credited. She hoped they would understand. Later, she went to her favorite coffee shop, ordered a large latte, and sat by the window. She did not open her laptop, instead she stared out, watching the rain and imagining this other person's life.