Gemotions

The house seemed too quiet, the silence amplifying the thrumming in Elias's ears. He sat hunched at the piano, his mother's list spread out before him. "Visit Italy." He ran a trembling hand over the ivory keys. He'd always known, in a detached way, that she wanted to see the world. He'd never truly *felt* it until now, the profound loss he was experiencing.

He began to play a hesitant, halting melody, the notes clashing and disjointed, reflecting the chaos within him. He stopped abruptly, unable to continue. Tears streamed down his face, blurring the sheet music. He buried his face in his hands, his body wracked with silent sobs.