Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash in Michael's mouth. He avoided eye contact in the communal kitchen, pretending to focus on washing the mug. He’d seen *his* name on the presentation. The same presentation he'd painstakingly crafted, the culmination of years of research into advanced AI algorithms.

He could feel eyes on him. He didn’t look up. He felt the need to get out.

The elevator was taking too long. He gripped the strap of his bag so tightly that his knuckles were white. The door finally opened. He rushed inside, pressing the button for the parking garage.

Once in his car, he fumbled with the keys. The engine roared to life. He glanced in the rearview mirror, certain he saw a flash of movement. He sped away, his foot pressing hard on the accelerator. He told himself he was being ridiculous. He did not believe himself.