Gemotions

Mark slumped in his chair, staring at the notification on his phone. His fingers traced the outline of the phone, his touch lingering. He felt as though someone had punched him in the gut. The article, the culmination of years of painstaking research, was now credited to Professor Evelyn Reed.

He re-read the email, each word a fresh blow. *“We are pleased to announce Professor Reed’s groundbreaking insights…”* His knuckles were white from gripping the edge of the desk. He felt a deep sense of injustice, followed by a terrifying uncertainty about the future.

He imagined the accolades, the recognition, all going to someone else. The career he had envisioned, the accolades he thought he deserved… all gone, as if they had never existed. He felt the urge to scream.