Gemotions

The mountain air felt thin, unsupportive. Daniel sat slumped on the rocky outcrop, the sunset painting the sky with colors he couldn't appreciate. He’d spent years documenting the flora of this region, convinced he was making a significant contribution. Now, here was Maya, her notebook open, showing him her findings – nearly identical to his.

His face burned. He’d boasted about his work to everyone. Now, all he wanted was to be invisible. He wanted to undo the boastful words, the self-congratulatory back-pats he’d given himself. He picked at a loose piece of bark on the tree beside him, crushing it into dust with unnecessary force.