Gemotions

The party was a sea of forced smiles and congratulatory back slaps. Daniel watched from the sidelines as Richard, the man who “invented” the self-stirring coffee mug, was surrounded by admirers. He'd cornered Richard a year ago at a tech convention, explaining his own design and its potential. Richard had been polite, dismissive even.

He took a large gulp of his lukewarm drink, the ice clinking against the glass. His throat felt constricted. He felt suddenly ill. The music seemed too loud, the laughter too bright. He abruptly turned and pushed his way through the crowd, escaping the festive atmosphere. He needed air, the absence of Richard's grinning face.