Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the shared office space, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. She'd poured months of her life into this grant proposal, this revolutionary new approach to sustainable agriculture. Then, at the presentation, she saw it. Identical. Down to the font choice on the diagrams. And there was David, smiling, taking all the praise.

Her jaw clenched. The applause felt like a personal insult, each clap a hammer blow to her carefully constructed world. She excused herself, muttering something about needing fresh air, her hands trembling as she grabbed her coat.

The cold wind offered no solace. Amelia felt a burning sensation in her chest, a tightness that made it hard to breathe. David, the smug bastard. She’d spent countless late nights, sacrificed weekends, all to have her ideas lifted and presented as his own.

She kicked a loose pebble, sending it skittering across the wet pavement. He wouldn't get away with this. Not without a fight.