Gemotions

The rejection from the funding committee felt like a punch to the gut. Michael reread the email, the phrases about prior art and lack of originality burning into his memory. His chest felt constricted. He felt the cold sweat on his forehead. The automated dog walker, his solution to time-pressed city dwellers, was deemed "too similar." He threw the email into the overflowing trash can.

He stormed back into his garage, kicking aside a discarded piece of metal. His hands clenched into fists. He wasn't going to let some faceless corporation win. He grabbed his welding mask and started working on a new prototype, fueled by a simmering rage that focused his mind.