Gemotions

“Impossible,” Ethan muttered, the word a mere breath against the harsh metallic clang of his workshop. He stared at the online magazine featuring his invention, a revolutionary new engine design, under the byline of "Julian Thorne." The muscles in his neck were rigid.

He walked toward his work bench, his movements jerky and uncoordinated. The tools, usually a source of comfort, now felt like alien objects. He ran a hand over his face, leaving streaks of grease.

He picked up a wrench, feeling the cold steel against his skin. His mind, normally a whirring engine of creativity and analysis, felt stalled, his thoughts churning in an unfathomable maelstrom.