Gemotions

The courtroom echoed with the judge's verdict. Ethan's gaze remained fixed on the floor. His carefully constructed case, the hours he'd spent researching and preparing, rendered meaningless. The opposing counsel, his rival, had presented an almost identical argument and had won.

He felt the blood drain from his face. A cold wave washed over him. He felt so tired.

He gathered his belongings, his movements slow and deliberate. The congratulations from his colleagues seemed to bounce off him, unheard. The walk to his car was long, filled with an oppressive silence.