Gemotions

The award ceremony. He had been close. So close. He had worked tirelessly to bring his design to market first. But time, money, and luck were not on his side. He saw his name on the list, but not in the right spot. The winner, a polished businessman, received the trophy. His rival had stolen his idea. The crowd roared in applause.

His face was flushed. He gripped his hands so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He didn’t clap. He couldn’t. He just stood there, a knot forming in his throat, and listened to the victor's speech.