Gemotions

The architect, Sophia, felt her carefully constructed composure begin to crumble. She stared at the presentation projected on the screen. The city council was deliberating on proposals for a new community center. The proposal before her, she learned, was very similar to her own.

Her jaw clenched. A wave of nausea rolled through her. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She wanted to scream, to lash out, to defend her vision. But she couldn't. It was all a blur. The room spun.

She tried to speak, but no words came out. She felt a burning sensation in her throat, a tight knot that prevented her from making a sound. Her hands were ice, her face hot. Her carefully curated life, her carefully crafted reputation, was collapsing.