Gemotions

The patent office letter felt heavy in Ben's hand. His self-cleaning pet carrier, designed to help disabled pet owners, was already patented. By a large corporation, no less. His initial fury subsided, replaced by a strange ache in his chest.

He remembered his neighbor, Mrs. Gable, confined to a wheelchair, struggling with her beloved Labrador, Buster. He had seen the struggle on her face. He had felt the exhaustion in her voice when she'd had to ask for help from Ben.

Ben went online, looking up the CEO's contact information. He typed a long, carefully worded email, explaining the specific need his invention addressed. He spoke of Mrs. Gable, and of the many others. He added his phone number. The feeling in his chest intensified as he sent it. He hoped it would reach the right people.

He could only wait, hoping for any kind of response.