Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the lab seemed to buzz with a new, unwelcome intensity. Sarah’s hands, usually steady when she poured reagent, trembled as she watched Mark present his findings. His presentation, on the very same protein folding algorithm she’d poured her heart and soul into, was flawless.

A cold fist squeezed her stomach. She forced a smile as she clapped, the sound feeling brittle and hollow. Back in her own workspace, she slammed the door, the flimsy metal groaning in protest. The code, the graphs, the months of late nights – all felt tainted now, reflecting the glow of Mark’s accomplishment.

Her computer screen seemed to mock her, the lines of code resembling a foreign language she suddenly couldn't understand. She started deleting files, a furious, desperate purge, before stopping, her breath catching in her throat. What was she doing? She slumped in her chair, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.