Gemotions

The phone vibrated in Emily's hand, displaying the headline: "Ace Harrison Accused of Plagiarism." Her fingers froze on the screen. The world around her seemed to tilt, the familiar patterns of the wallpaper blurring. Her breath hitched.

She set down her phone, not wanting to confirm the terrible truth. Her heart was beating rapidly, a staccato rhythm against her ribs. She felt a surge of heat rush through her, her cheeks burning.

She remembered all the times she’d re-read Harrison's novels, all the solace they had given her. Now, the words felt tainted, each phrase a betrayal. She felt a need to escape, and her legs felt heavy and sluggish.