Gemotions

"It's already been done," the lawyer had said, his voice flat and devoid of empathy. Mark felt the world tilt on its axis. His innovative water filtration system, the culmination of years of tireless work, was now worthless. He was adrift.

He closed his eyes, the image of his prototype, the sleek design, the intricate workings, burned behind his eyelids. The thought of all the time, the effort, the sleepless nights, wasted… it was a crushing blow.

He wandered the city streets, the vibrant energy of the crowds doing little to penetrate the fog that shrouded his mind. Each passing face seemed to mock him, each happy couple a painful reminder of his isolation. He felt disconnected, like a ghost, walking through a world that had no place for him.