Gemotions

The inspector’s bland voice echoed in the cavernous warehouse. “And you’re certain you haven’t seen this before?” The man in the suit gestured toward the gleaming, fully-functional prototype – the same one he'd poured years of effort into. His mouth felt dry, unable to form words. He simply shook his head. His gut twisted.

He watched the inspector walk away, his shadow disappearing down the long aisle of machines. His legs felt like lead weights. He leaned against the metal casing of his own machine, trying to find some purchase, some stability.

He heard the faint sound of his own ragged breath, a telltale sign of the pressure building. The air in the warehouse seemed to thicken, making it hard to take a full breath. He wanted to scream.