Gemotions

The last chord of the song still vibrated in Maya’s chest. The band, her band, had just finished their first real gig. Sunlight streamed through the open window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, mirroring the chaotic energy fizzing inside her. A grin stretched across her face, threatening to crack it. Then, a sharp rap on the door. Ugh. Mrs. Gable.

“Maya, dear,” Mrs. Gable’s voice was tight, thin. “The music was a tad… loud.” Her lips pursed, and Maya could practically *feel* the woman's disapproval radiating from her.

Maya’s shoulders slumped, if only for a second. She took a deep breath, trying to look contrite. “Oh, I am so sorry, Mrs. Gable! We just… got carried away. First gig, you know.” She could practically see the woman's mind whirring. Maya waited, her smile a little less bright.

“Well,” Mrs. Gable said finally, a grudging note in her voice. “Try to keep it down, will you? Some of us are trying to enjoy a quiet afternoon.”

“Absolutely,” Maya chirped, already mentally planning the setlist for their next practice. “Won’t happen again!”