Gemotions

The cafe buzzed with Friday night chatter. Leo tapped his foot, a restless rhythm against the worn tile. He'd come to this open mic night with a specific purpose, a jittery anticipation thrumming in his chest. He clutched his lukewarm coffee, knuckles white, and scanned the small stage. He knew the name on the sign-up sheet, a local singer-songwriter who’d submitted a cover of his song, “Fading Lights.”

He saw her then, a girl with fiery red hair and a guitar slung across her back. He almost choked on his drink. He had to hear this. He leaned forward, eyes glued to her as she fiddled with the microphone. Butterflies did a dance inside of him.

“Alright everyone,” she said, her voice clear and carrying over the murmurs. "This next song is... well, it's not mine." A smile touched her lips. "It's by Leo Maxwell. It's called 'Fading Lights'."