Gemotions

He’d spent weeks, pouring over data, sleepless nights fueled by instant coffee and a burning passion to prove himself. Now, standing beside his supervisor, watching the head of the marketing department from the competing company present, a cold dread coiled in his gut. The same market analysis, the same innovative pricing strategies, even the same quirky infographic about customer engagement – it was all there.

A bead of sweat traced a path down the side of his face. He felt like his own words were echoing back at him, mocking him. He subtly adjusted his tie, tugging at the collar as if it were suddenly constricting his breath.

"Interesting, isn't it?" his supervisor said, his voice laced with a subtle amusement.

He nodded quickly, afraid to meet his supervisor's eyes. He stared instead at his own polished shoes, suddenly finding them utterly fascinating. "Very…" he trailed off, unable to find the words.