Gemotions

The magazine cover stared at Marcus, reflecting the harsh sunlight back at him. His photograph, the one he had painstakingly captured of the migrating birds, was splashed across the front, but the credit went to another photographer. His hands clenched into fists.

He knew the other photographer. A rising star in the industry, someone who'd had a tough life, clawing their way to the top. Marcus had even admired their work. He had seen the determination, the drive.

He scrolled through the online article, reading the accompanying text. He saw his signature style, his precise details. The image was his. He thought of his own long days spent in the field, the hours in the darkroom, the sacrifices he'd made.

Marcus opened his email, composing a message to the magazine. He didn't demand a retraction or an apology. He simply offered to provide them with the original files, requesting proper attribution. He also included a link to his portfolio. He hoped they'd understand. He hoped they would, at least, see his work.