Gemotions

The tremor in Maria's hand was almost imperceptible, but she noticed it. The email lay open on her screen, detailing the rival project. A mirror image. A sick, sinking feeling settled in her gut. She had envisioned the awards ceremony, the recognition, the sense of accomplishment. Now, it felt like someone had stolen a piece of her.

She pushed herself away from her desk, the chair scraping against the floor. She needed air. She walked to the window, staring out at the rain-slicked city streets. Her breath hitched in her chest. She felt a sudden, profound exhaustion, a weariness that seeped into her bones. She felt a weight bearing down on her.