Gemotions

The café was too loud, filled with the clatter of cups and the murmur of conversations. Sarah took a shaky breath and looked at the stranger across the small table. He had a file open, with the same presentation, the same colors, the same… *everything*.

Her hands were clammy. She’d spent weeks perfecting this pitch, this strategy. The idea of someone else coming up with this independently was just ludicrous. It was too much of a coincidence. She could feel a flush creeping up her neck.

"So," the man said, a casual smile on his face, "It seems we've both been working on the 'Chrysalis Initiative'." His tone was friendly, almost jovial. Sarah could not bring herself to reciprocate. She wanted to scream.

She gripped her coffee cup so tightly, she thought it might crack. Her words felt trapped in her throat.