Gemotions

David leaned back in his chair, staring at the screen with narrowed eyes. The headline – "Innovative New Theory" – screamed at him, the bold font a deliberate insult. His work, his groundbreaking research, was now the property of Professor Thompson. A wave of heat flushed his face, and he gripped the arms of his chair, knuckles white.

He felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to break something, to shatter the neat facade of his professional life. He took a deep breath, fighting for control. He couldn’t afford to lose it, not now. But the burning feeling wouldn't subside.

He picked up his phone, his thumb hovering over the number for the university's ethics committee.