Gemotions

The room spun. My vision blurred as I stared at the screen. The research proposal. The grant application. My life’s work. The same. Exactly the same. A cold, paralyzing sensation swept through my body.

I wanted to scream, to lash out. I felt a profound sense of betrayal. My hands were shaking. I found myself clenching and unclenching them, trying to regain some semblance of control.

I looked at the author of the document, my supposed mentor. His face was a mask of placid indifference. My mouth was dry. I couldn't trust my voice, and remained silent.