Gemotions

The opening night of the play had arrived, and the spotlight burned on Ethan's face. He stood backstage, heart hammering. Years of preparation had led to this moment. The only thing he felt was a dread for what was about to happen.

He listened as the other actors began their roles. The dialogue. The staging. The costumes. It was a mirror image of his own play. Ethan’s legs felt like lead.

His carefully constructed masterpiece, his hope for recognition, vanished into the ether. He felt…discarded. His entire existence seemed to be based on the project, and without it, he didn't know what to do. His performance was not his own, and now he felt shame.