Gemotions

Maria felt a cold dread settle in her stomach. The email, with its cheerful salutation, felt like a slap in the face. Her article, the one she had painstakingly researched and written, was now attributed to a Professor Ramirez.

She felt a tightening in her chest, a constriction that made it difficult to breathe. She re-read the email, each word a sharp, stinging blow. The congratulations, the praise... for *someone else*.

She closed her eyes, fighting back tears. She felt a profound sense of injustice, an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. She buried her face in her hands, wanting to disappear. She felt an urgent need to be alone, to process the shock.