Gemotions

Eliza stared at the cracked pavement, the sun beating down mercilessly. Her usually bright dress felt heavy, clinging to her skin. The open mic night was tonight. She'd written the song, “Echoes in the City,” about the loneliness she felt in the crowded streets, months ago, pouring her heart into every lyric. Then she'd heard it on the radio, sung by a pop star with perfect teeth and a perfectly generic life.

She tried to push it from her mind as she walked toward the venue, but her legs felt like lead. She found a dark corner in the back, away from the chatter and the excited buzz of anticipation. The air was thick with the scent of stale beer and unfulfilled dreams.

She thought of going home, of pretending she hadn’t seen the flyer. But the feeling of wanting to have your voice heard was too strong. She slumped against the cold wall. She couldn’t run from it. Not now.