Gemotions

“And that concludes my presentation.” The words hung in the air, echoing the hollow feeling inside. He’d been so sure. Years, gone. He’d dedicated every waking moment to this, only to discover the man he’d considered a friend, had been building the same thing.

He walked outside, and the city felt like a mocking caricature of its usual self. The bustling crowds, the bright lights, all seemed to be performing a show he was not invited to. He felt a deep ache in his temples, a pressure he couldn't release.

He pulled out his phone, scrolling through old messages. The casual banter, the shared research links – all now tainted by a sense of betrayal. He’d opened himself up, and now... he felt utterly exposed.