Gemotions

David reread the email, his eyes darting back and forth across the screen like trapped insects. The grant committee's words echoed in his head, a relentless drone. He'd dedicated years to his research on the unusual properties of a certain rare species of fungus. Now, someone else, 'Dr. Emily Carter,' had not only discovered it, but had gone further and made the same conclusions.

He pushed back from his desk, the chair screeching on the linoleum. He stumbled, catching himself on the edge of the desk. His heart hammered in his chest, each beat a painful thud. He needed air. He ripped open the window, gulping in the cold, night air.

The world seemed to spin. He needed to scream, to break something, to *do* anything that would alleviate the pressure that was building inside.