Gemotions

The office felt too bright, the fluorescent lights buzzing like angry insects. Mark adjusted his glasses, the frames suddenly feeling heavy on his nose. He watched his competitor, Jennifer, begin her pitch. She was describing the exact same business plan he’d spent the last year perfecting.

He’d known, of course, that she was working on a similar concept. However, he hadn't anticipated the identical nature of her proposal. The target demographic, the projected revenue streams, the marketing strategy... it was all eerily familiar. He felt a pressure building behind his eyes, a sensation that made him want to scream.

He clenched his jaw, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. Jennifer finished, her voice smooth and confident. He felt a sharp pang of pain in his chest, a feeling he couldn't quite define.