Gemotions

The lawyer’s words hung in the air, heavy and blunt. "Yes, Mr. Chen, your automatic dog walker design has already been patented." A numb sensation spread through his limbs. He’d risked everything – his savings, his relationship – on this invention. The lawyer's office seemed to shrink around him.

He slumped back in his chair, the plush fabric suddenly feeling like a suffocating cage. He tried to speak, but only a strangled sound emerged. He was staring at the abyss of failure. He pushed himself up, his movements stiff and mechanical, a cold, hard knot forming in his stomach.