Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights in the workshop seemed to taunt Elias. Each pulse of light was a tiny stab of anxiety, a reminder of the hours he’d poured into his creation, only to discover the patent had been filed a year before. He’d ripped apart the prototype yet again, scattering wires and metal shavings across the workbench. His hands trembled, making the screwdriver slip, scratching the already marred surface of the casing.

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it a mess. The coffee he’d brewed hours ago was cold, forgotten on the counter. His stomach was a knot, a constant, low thrum of unease. He should have researched further. He should have known.

He picked up a wrench and stared at it, his reflection a gaunt, hollow-eyed figure staring back. The possibilities, the potential…all stolen. He slammed the wrench back down, the metallic clang echoing in the otherwise silent room, and immediately regretted it.