Gemotions

The code scrolled before him, line after meticulous line. It was his. Or, at least, it *had* been. His colleague, Sarah, was presenting her new software to the board, and the screen displayed his exact framework. The algorithm, the architecture, every single detail was a painful, stunning echo of his own work.

He leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking in protest. His palms were slick with sweat. He felt a deep, pervasive disquiet.

“Excellent work, Sarah,” the CEO boomed, oblivious to the storm brewing within him. He forced a smile, a grimace that felt frozen on his face. He felt trapped in a nightmare, a twisted reflection of his own accomplishment.