Gemotions

The award ceremony. The glittering lights. The standing ovation. And there, on the stage, basking in the applause for *her* novel, was another author. "How could they?" was the only thought that ran through Leo's head, over and over. He’d spent years perfecting it, crafting the story, the characters, the world. It was his everything.

He excused himself and fled the venue. The city lights blurred through his unshed tears. He wanted to scream. He wanted to break something, anything. He didn't want to see anyone. He couldn't breathe.

He ended up at the river, the dark water reflecting the city’s artificial glow. He sat on the damp earth, watching the current flow, feeling the icy air. He felt a profound sense of loss, as if a vital part of himself had been ripped away.