Gemotions

"You didn't know?" The words, spoken by his best friend, pierced the already fragile bubble of his composure. The news of the rival patent had spread fast. He’d just finished a presentation to a panel of potential investors. His invention, his dream, was now someone else’s.

He abruptly excused himself, escaping the room, the bright lights searing his vision. He fumbled in his pocket, finding a crumpled napkin. He couldn’t look anyone in the eye. He felt a burning in his chest, a sensation that had nothing to do with the stuffy air. He felt so very small.