Gemotions

Clara hummed, a low, contented sound vibrating in her chest as she walked down the street. Her new weather-predicting umbrella, the ‘Umbrella-ella,’ was going to be a smash. The prototype had aced every test. She pictured people all over the world, never again caught in a sudden downpour, all thanks to her creation.

She tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the bus. Her mind raced with ideas for marketing campaigns, advertisements, and even a jingle. It was all a little silly, but she couldn't help it. She was practically bubbling over with excitement.

Arriving home, she threw her bag onto the floor and immediately booted up her computer. Checking the patent status was the first thing on her mind. The official response, when it appeared on the screen, was a punch to the gut. The technology existed, already protected. Someone else, a big conglomerate, had beaten her to the punch. The bubbling turned to a slow simmer, then a flat silence.