Gemotions

From across the crowded bar, Fiona watched Mark, her supposed partner on the grant application. He was presenting his proposal to the board, his voice booming with confidence. Her proposal. Her painstakingly crafted ideas, her carefully researched data. It felt as if someone had punched her in the solar plexus.

Her hands were clammy, and she gripped her phone so tightly that her knuckles ached. The music, usually a welcome background noise, now pounded in her head, a relentless, mocking rhythm.

She wanted to run, to disappear. But pride, or maybe just stubbornness, kept her rooted to the spot. Her breath hitched. A knot tightened in her chest. She needed to know how he dared.