Gemotions

The concert hall hummed with anticipation, the air thick with perfume and excitement. Anya, backstage, adjusted her dress, the butterflies in her stomach threatening to take flight. Nervousness usually plagued her before a performance, but not tonight. Tonight was different.

From the stage, she heard the opening chords of her song, "Starry Nights," being played. It was another band, one of her heroes. The singer began. Anya closed her eyes. It was a perfect rendition. All the work, all the sacrifices, all the doubt, seemed to melt away. She felt a surge of pure joy, like a child again. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly, and smiled.