Gemotions

He stared at the blank page, the cursor blinking like a taunting eye. For months, Leo had dreamed of this: a book deal, recognition, the validation he craved. And Silas Blackwood, his idol, had ripped him off. The rage was a hot coal in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He slammed his fist on the desk, the sound echoing in the empty room. He'd poured his heart and soul into that story. It was the only thing that felt real. Now, it was… nothing.

He pushed back from the chair, the legs scraping across the floor. He needed a drink, maybe several. The apartment looked dirty, all of a sudden, like it reflected him.