Gemotions

David stared at the notification, the words blurring before his eyes. *Acquisition by Apex Corp.* He crumpled the paper in his hand, the crinkling sound almost obscene in the otherwise quiet office. He felt his face flush, a heat spreading from his chest to his cheeks.

He let out a short, harsh laugh. All those late nights, all the sacrifices – for what? To be swallowed whole by some soulless corporation? He pictured the executives, the suits, the empty promises. They wouldn't care about the projects he was passionate about, the team he loved.

He kicked his chair backward, the screech echoing through the empty space. He grabbed his jacket, the fabric feeling coarse against his skin. He needed air. He needed to *do* something. He stormed out of the office, his shadow a long, angry streak across the parking lot.