Gemotions

The applause felt distant, muffled. She forced a smile, but it felt wooden, unnatural. The audience was captivated by Michael's presentation. His data, his analysis, his conclusions… all were identical to hers.

She felt a hollowness spreading through her. She'd invested everything in this project, sacrificing everything. Now, she was irrelevant. A shadow.

She felt a pressure behind her eyes, the familiar sting of impending tears. She wanted to break away, to vanish from the crowded room. She took a deep breath, trying to regain control.