Gemotions

The concert was about to begin. Ethan wiggled in his seat, a thrill of anticipation shooting through him. He had been looking forward to this for weeks. His friend, Mark, had promised him backstage passes. Mark worked at a "record label," he'd said, a fact he’d reiterated with a kind of nonchalant pride. Ethan had imagined himself shaking hands with the band, maybe even getting a signed guitar pick.

He tapped his foot impatiently. The lights dimmed. The music started. He turned to Mark, grinning, ready to follow him to the backstage area. Mark averted his gaze.

"Uh, Ethan, about that…" he mumbled, his face reddening in the dim light. "I, uh, I think I left the tickets at home." Ethan frowned. The thrill that had coursed through him moments ago evaporated, leaving a strange hollowness.