Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee did nothing to calm Eleanor's nerves. She fidgeted with the sugar packets, unable to settle. She was waiting for a meeting, a meeting that had the potential to unravel everything. She'd developed a revolutionary new medical device, years of effort had gone into this.

A woman entered the room, a woman from a rival company. She held a briefcase, a look of professional composure on her face. Eleanor could barely meet her eyes.

"So," the woman began, her voice cool and measured, "I understand we've been working on a similar project."

Eleanor felt a knot of dread twist in her gut. She’d known this day might come, but the reality hit her with a physical force. She stared at the woman, her mouth dry, unable to speak. The air in the room seemed to thicken, making each breath a struggle.