Gemotions

“And now, Mr. Henderson, if you would like to start your presentation.” The words echoed in Mark's ears. He sat rigid in his seat, watching his adversary, Sarah, approach the podium. He had always known that their work on the biotech project might overlap, but he never thought the overlap would be this complete.

Her opening slide appeared. His opening slide. Every statistic, every diagram, every well-reasoned argument. The same. His jaw ached from clenching it. He forced himself to take notes, though his mind was racing.

He couldn't meet her eyes. He couldn't. He picked at a loose thread on his trousers, his fingers fidgeting. He wanted to flee, to vanish. He felt a deep sense of wrongness, a darkness within him that wouldn't abate.