Gemotions

The cafe was packed, the air thick with the smell of coffee and something else… recognition. Clara, hunched in a corner booth, gripped her lukewarm latte. She knew that song. It was *her* song, the one she’d poured her heart into, the one that should be playing on the radio.

A young woman with a voice like spun gold stood on a small stage. Clara watched, a knot twisting in her stomach. The arrangement was different, faster, brighter. It took Clara's breath away.

Clara’s knuckles were white as she pressed them against the table. She felt a burning in her cheeks. The crowd applauded, cheering for the singer. Clara swallowed, the taste of the coffee suddenly metallic. She wanted to scream.