Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in his hand, threatening to spill its lukewarm contents. He’d poured the same amount, chosen the same brand, used the same design – everything, in fact. The image on the presentation slide – his presentation slide – was exactly what the competitor had unveiled moments before, a chill spreading from his toes upwards.

He could feel his pulse hammering against his ribs, a frantic rhythm. He wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers, the fabric offering little comfort. His carefully constructed strategy, his unique selling points, all reduced to a cheap imitation.

He focused on his breath, trying to steady it. He needed to think, to understand how this was possible. He needed an explanation, and he needed it now. The weight of the room settled on his shoulders.