Gemotions

"Magnificent!" Arthur exclaimed, clapping his hands together. The prototype of his self-stirring coffee cup spun on his workbench, a symphony of whirring gears and perfectly timed movements. He'd poured his heart and soul into this project, late nights, early mornings, and now, he had the perfect product. A cup that always stirred the perfect amount for every brew.

He leaned back in his chair, a broad grin splitting his face. The patent application should be approved any day now. A small celebration was warranted, he decided. He had a bottle of his favorite sparkling cider in the fridge, waiting for a toast to his own genius.

He pulled up the patent website. The image on the screen swam before his eyes. Rejected. He felt a wave of nausea, followed by a cold, hollow feeling. Another inventor, someone he had previously admired, had already secured a patent on an almost identical device. Arthur slumped, the sparkling cider suddenly not so appealing.