Gemotions

"And as you can see, our new product integrates… " The words of the other presenter, a rival from a different department, blurred in his ears. The same sleek design, the same innovative features, the same problem they were both solving.

He felt a deep sense of inadequacy wash over him, a coldness that seemed to originate in his bones. He slumped back in his chair, trying to make himself smaller, trying to become invisible.

His hands fidgeted, picking at nonexistent threads on his suit. He focused on the details of the room – the grain of the wood paneling, the way the light glinted off the chrome accents – anything to avoid meeting the eyes of his colleagues.