Gemotions

The news hit Sarah like a physical blow. Someone else had patented her smart plant pot – the one that automatically watered and fertilized your plants, based on their needs. Her hands clenched into fists so tight her knuckles were white. This couldn't be happening.

She walked to the window, staring out at the rain-swept street. The world outside felt muted, distant. She tapped her fingers restlessly against the cold glass, each tap a staccato rhythm of frustration. A sigh escaped her lips, a sound of profound deflation.

She considered all the late nights, the sleepless weekends spent tinkering and perfecting her design. She had dreamt of this, built her life around this invention. Now, it was just… gone. She bit down on her lip, a sharp pang of disappointment piercing her.