Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the conference room seemed to close in on Clara. The presentation, the rival’s, was ending. Her voice felt strained, her throat tight. The design for a biodegradable phone case, her years of research, had been preempted.

She watched the other attendees applaud, their faces illuminated with excitement. She forced a smile, but felt her cheeks burning. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

She excused herself and fled the room, the sharp scent of the air freshener stinging her nostrils. She found herself outside, gasping for air, leaning against a cold brick wall, needing something to steady her.