Gemotions

The news of the patent rejection crashed over Robert like a tidal wave. He stared at the email, the words jumping off the screen, mocking him with their cold, clinical precision. His throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe. He felt a wave of nausea wash over him.

He went to the bathroom, and splashed cold water on his face. He stared at his reflection, a stranger staring back. His eyes were wide, vacant. He ran his hands through his hair. He needed to be alone.

He sat in the dark for hours, unable to move. Every sound, every shadow, amplified the sensation of being trapped, of being utterly defeated. The air around him was still, heavy, and stagnant. His heart throbbed.