Gemotions

The email glowed on the screen, a digital serpent whispering lies. "Congratulations! Your patent application has been rejected..." The words blurred before Elias's eyes. It was a cruel joke, a cosmic blunder. The other guy's name was at the top of the email, and the patent he'd received. His own plans, his own work, all down the drain.

He rose from his chair, a sudden dizzying rush overcoming him. The office, usually a sanctuary of creativity, suddenly felt like a cage. He kicked over his trash can, sending papers and coffee cups scattering.

He stormed out, ignoring the concerned glances of his colleagues. The world felt wrong, tilted, and unfairly weighted against him. He needed air, needed distance from this abomination.