Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the research lab seemed to buzz with a new, unwelcome intensity. Elias stared at the schematic, his stomach churning. Across the room, Sarah was beaming, holding up a near-identical design. He’d poured months into this – every late night, every missed social event, all for naught.

He felt the familiar prickle of heat behind his eyes. He should have said something, should have mentioned his project when they shared a coffee last week. Now, all that effort felt... hollow. He opened his mouth to congratulate her, but the words caught in his throat, replaced by a dry, raspy sound. He looked away, focusing on the chipped paint on the lab bench.