Gemotions

The dog, Max, whimpered as Julia frantically paced the living room. Every footstep echoed through the empty space, magnifying her unease. The patent had been issued weeks ago, but the shock was still fresh. She felt lightheaded, as if the air was thinner.

She stopped at the window, staring at the suburban street. Everything seemed ordinary, yet she felt like she was trapped in a nightmare. She ran her fingers through her hair, tangling it.

She called out to the dog, her voice strained. He didn’t come. She needed to focus, to think. She needed a solution. But the thought seemed impossible.