Gemotions

The email shimmered on Maya’s screen, the subject line a banner of neon: “Congratulations! Your article, ‘The Secret Lives of Squirrels,’ is Live!” A giddy laugh escaped her, a sound she quickly muffled with her hand. She swivelled in her chair, a manic energy coursing through her. She felt like she could leap through the roof. Finally! All those late nights, the rejected drafts, the self-doubt – they were finally worth it.

She reread the email, her eyes darting to the name at the top: “Published by: Dr. Evelyn Reed.” A knot formed in her stomach. Evelyn Reed. The editor who had championed her, but also... She swallowed hard. This was happening. Her work, her research, under someone else's name.

The phone rang. It was her best friend, Sarah. “Did you see it?” Sarah’s voice bubbled with excitement. “It’s amazing! Evelyn Reed, genius as always.” Maya forced a smile into her voice. “Yeah. Amazing.” She needed to figure out what to do.