Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the lab hummed, a relentless, irritating sound that seemed to bore into Elias’ skull. His fingers, clammy and trembling, fumbled with the clasp of his briefcase. He knew he was late. The meeting was about to begin. He had spent months, *years*, pouring his heart and soul into this project, believing it to be entirely his own. Now, the email. The ominous subject line. The meeting invite. His stomach lurched as he pushed through the heavy metal door.

He scanned the room. Faces, familiar and not, blurred through a haze of panic. He spotted Dr. Chen at the head of the table, her expression unreadable. Beside her sat a woman he didn't recognize. Her name was… Amelia something. He dragged himself towards the empty seat, each step an excruciating effort. He felt the blood drain from his face.

Amelia glanced at him, her eyes bright, too bright. She smiled, a polite, impersonal gesture. “Ready to share?” Her voice was steady, composed. He forced a smile back, but his lips felt stiff, unnatural. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, a cold wave washing over him. The world seemed to shrink around him.