Gemotions

The room was filled with the low hum of the server, a sound that usually comforted him. But today, the sound was torturous. He’d just received a cease-and-desist letter. His software, his livelihood, had been copied, almost verbatim. Mark’s head was pounding.

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. He felt hot and flushed, and a burning sensation in his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage. He looked over the the computer screen. The code, line after line of his work, staring back at him with a mocking grin.

He slammed his fist on the desk. The sharp crack echoed through the otherwise empty office. His hands were shaking. He felt trapped, powerless, and utterly exposed. He fought back a wave of nausea.