Gemotions

The scent of ink and old paper, usually comforting, now seemed to choke her. Maria, a historian, had idolized the renowned historical novelist, Theodore Finch. His latest bestseller, which was now under scrutiny, used her unpublished research.

She sat at her desk, surrounded by books and research notes. The walls, usually a source of comfort, now felt like they were closing in on her. The air in her study felt thin, as though it was slowly depleting.

She pushed back from her chair, her hands shaking. She went to the window, staring at the world outside. She needed to escape this feeling, to find a place where she could breathe.