Gemotions

The courtroom echoed with the hollow sound of the judge's gavel. The verdict: not guilty. He had spent years meticulously gathering evidence, building his case, but his article was attributed to another. The other was well-connected. He felt every muscle in his body tense.

He sat in the back row, his hands clenched in his lap. He felt… empty, a hollow shell. The victory of the man who stole his work was a personal defeat. He looked at the man, the man did not look at him.

He left the courthouse, the midday sun felt too bright. He needed to disappear. He walked aimlessly, avoiding eye contact, until he found himself at the river. The water was calling him.