Gemotions

Clara hummed along to the radio, meticulously arranging the tiny, color-coded components of her revolutionary new fabric softener. The scent was perfect, a delicate blend of lavender and sunshine. She imagined the possibilities: soft, fresh laundry for everyone, eliminating static cling forever! She had a vision of it on every shelf in every store.

She took a moment to text her best friend, "Almost there!!" Then, she opened her email, bracing herself for the verdict on her patent application. The message was terse: "Rejected. Patent US… already exists."

A wave of emptiness washed over her, making her legs feel wobbly. She sat down, her hands suddenly clumsy. The smell of lavender and sunshine felt duller. The fabric softener, she realized, was just another product. She had been beaten to it.