Gemotions

He stared at the email, the words blurring. “Congratulations, Sarah, on securing the grant for the eco-friendly housing initiative.” The congratulations felt like a physical blow. He'd poured his heart and soul into that project.

His knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel, knuckles that had typed endless drafts. He kept replaying their conversation from the conference, how she’d seemed so genuinely interested in his initial concepts. He hadn’t felt this hollowed out since his grandfather died.

He should have been quicker, more decisive. The project had been his first real chance to make a difference, and now... It was like a thief had stolen something vital. His studio felt impossibly small, the blueprints on his desk heavy with disappointment.