A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
109 words
A tremor ran through Liam's hands as he stared at the email. His article, the one he'd crafted so carefully, was live. Except, the author wasn't him. A coldness spread through his chest, a feeling lik...
A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
96 words
The email sat in Maya’s inbox, a digital serpent coiled and ready to strike. The subject line, “Publication Update,” seemed innocuous enough. But the words, "Congratulations, Professor Eleanor V...
A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
86 words
"Unbelievable," Clara muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her manuscript, her *baby*, was now branded with someone else’s name. It was a complete violation, a personal attack. She felt a pro...
A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
93 words
“This can’t be happening,” John rasped, his voice hoarse with incredulity. His carefully researched and written essay was published, but not under his name. He ran a hand through his hair, leavi...
A person finds out their article was published under someone else's name
82 words
Sophia reread the email, each word a fresh wound. Her hard work, her dedication, her *voice* had been stolen. She felt as though the wind had been knocked out of her. Her breath came in shallow, ragge...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
122 words
"Next!" the judge had called, their voice devoid of emotion. Sarah had tried to smile, to project the confidence she felt when she was in the flow of her routine. Now, after the results, her smile had...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
117 words
The silence in the car was deafening. John stared out the window, the passing scenery a blur. His father had asked him, "Are you okay, son?" John had only shrugged, unable to find the words. He’d po...
An athlete doesn't make the team they expected to join
107 words
The coach's words, "Tough luck, kid," echoed in Mark's ears long after he'd left the field. His stomach twisted into a knot, a physical manifestation of his distress. He'd envisioned himself in the st...
Someone receives a friend request from a childhood bully
114 words
"Unbelievable," Daniel muttered under his breath, reading the request for the tenth time. It was from Jessica. His jaw clenched, muscles tightening. He felt a pressure building in his head, a dull ach...
Someone receives a friend request from a childhood bully
88 words
"Un-freaking-believable," whispered Olivia, her voice barely audible. The request was from David, and she felt a tremor pass through her body. She slowly leaned back in her chair, her back stiff and c...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
87 words
He stared out the window, the twinkling lights of the city now a blurry, meaningless spectacle. The anticipation he’d felt all day, the excited buzz in his chest, had evaporated, leaving behind a co...
A person finds out their surprise party has been cancelled
84 words
“No, no, no,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. The brightly colored cake, with its painstakingly crafted frosting flowers, now seemed to mock her from its place on the table. Emily pushed ...