Gemotions

The apartment was still and quiet, the only sound the rhythmic ticking of a grandfather clock in the hall. Michael stared at the ceiling, the glow from his laptop reflecting in his wide eyes. The news had hit him like a physical blow. His favorite author, Evelyn Reed, had been revealed to be a fraud, a thief, a liar.

He felt the familiar ache in his chest, the dull throb behind his eyes. The words he had adored, the worlds he had escaped into, all of it tainted. He closed his eyes, pressing his palms against his face. All he wanted was to feel like himself again, but it felt impossible.