Gemotions

He found himself wandering the halls of the university, avoiding the labs where his former colleagues worked. He had stumbled upon the patent online, a few weeks too late. He had been so sure his "energy-efficient refrigerator" was a stroke of genius, but he was merely echoing someone else’s brilliance. He couldn't face them, couldn't bear the knowing looks, the unspoken judgment. He stopped at a window, watching students laughing, oblivious to the turmoil inside him. His throat felt tight, and his breath hitched.