Gemotions

The sunlight felt harsh on Clara’s face as she watched the presentation on the screen. The graphics, the data points, the very structure of the argument – all hers. Her stomach churned. It was an exact replica.

She’d convinced herself that she could trust her mentor, Mr. Henderson. Now, seeing him beam with pride at the podium, his words echoing hers, was a bitter pill to swallow. She could only imagine the look on her boss’s face, and it made her want to disappear.

She wanted to scream, to lash out, but all she did was take a deep breath, fighting against the tightness in her chest. She had trusted, and that trust had been betrayed. She stared out the window, at a world that suddenly felt less vibrant. The colors seemed muted.