Gemotions

The sterile environment of the coding room felt even more oppressive than usual. Olivia compared the two lines of code, identical in their structure and functionality. Both she and Ben had been independently working on the same innovative algorithm. The project she had been working on would now need to be completely revised.

She looked at Ben. His face was a mask of disbelief. The initial shock had started to wear off, but she could still see the profound disappointment etched onto his face. He seemed defeated.

“Ben,” she began, her voice barely a whisper, “This is… devastating, isn't it?" She felt a sudden wave of shared loss. The feeling made her feel a little dizzy, and she blinked to compose herself.

He looked up at her, and nodded, his eyes glistening. He was clearly very shaken.

“I know.” She said quietly. "All that time... It feels… wrong, somehow." She didn’t know what else to say.