Gemotions

The announcement had been a slap in the face. David’s fingers drummed a furious rhythm on his desk, the sound a counterpoint to the polite chatter of his colleagues. "Acquired." The word itself felt like an accusation. Years of dedication, late nights, sacrifices – all reduced to a transaction.

He picked up his phone, scrolling through the contacts. His old mentor, retired now, had warned him about this very thing. He imagined the man’s knowing smirk, the gleam in his eye. He crushed the phone in his hand, a sharp pain radiating up his forearm. He wanted to scream.