Gemotions

Elias slammed his notebook shut, the metallic clang echoing in the otherwise silent workshop. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he tugged at the collar of his shirt, suddenly feeling suffocated. He'd spent months, poured his heart and soul into this, the self-folding laundry machine. Now, staring at the patent number on the screen, he felt his stomach drop. *Someone* had already done it. He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging a cloud of sawdust. The air in the room felt heavy, thick with a disappointment he couldn't quite articulate.