Gemotions

Sweat beaded on her forehead, despite the cool air conditioning. Clara swiped at her face with the back of her hand, leaving a smear of ink. She stared at the screen, at the words that mocked her ambition. Her mind raced, replaying the design process, searching for a single, tiny difference that she’d overlooked. The automatic recycling unit she had devised, aimed at revolutionizing waste management, already existed, and had been patented for commercial use. She began to chew on the inside of her cheek. The taste of blood was metallic and bitter. A knot formed in her stomach.