Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the lab hummed, a monotonous drone that matched Elias's mood. He slammed the lid of his laptop shut, the click echoing in the otherwise silent room. Weeks. Weeks he’d poured over this research, sacrificing sleep and sanity to meet the deadline. Now, staring at the presentation slides that reflected a project eerily similar to his, a knot tightened in his stomach. A tight, bitter knot.

He ran a hand through his already messy hair, leaving it standing on end. Across the room, Dr. Chen was beaming, explaining the revolutionary discovery to a panel of investors. Elias knew, with a sinking certainty, that his work, his struggle, would be overshadowed.

He imagined the headlines. "Chen's Breakthrough!" The disappointment was a cold weight in his chest.