Gemotions

He ran his hand over the smooth, polished wood of the prototype, the hum of the machine a reassuring background noise. Liam had dedicated years to this, a revolutionary engine design. The workshop, his sanctuary, was filled with the scent of oil and metal. Every bolt, every wire, had been placed with precision.

He received a call. "I've reviewed your proposal," the voice on the other end said. "It's… remarkably similar to another project currently in development." Liam's heart stuttered in his chest. A feeling of dread, cold and sharp, pierced him. He'd poured his life into this, trusting the patent. How could this be?