Gemotions

He had been whistling, a jaunty tune, the entire morning. David tapped his fingers on the table, an incessant rhythm that matched the excited thrumming in his chest. His invention, a device that could instantly translate any language, was ready to launch. He imagined the possibilities: world peace, effortless travel, understanding beyond borders.

His assistant rushed into the office, his face pale. “David, I’m so sorry…” The words were a blur, a meaningless jumble. He grabbed the phone, the cold metal a stark contrast to the heat rising in his face. His carefully constructed dream, now shattered.

He felt a pressure building behind his eyes, a tightness in his chest. His breath became shallow, each inhale a struggle. The vibrant energy that had been his companion all day vanished, replaced by an overwhelming sense of defeat. He closed his eyes, the image of his creation burned into his eyelids.