Gemotions

The stadium roared. Liam, perched precariously on a backstage crate, could barely hear himself think. He'd never imagined his little folk song, "Whispers of Wind," would be played for an audience this massive. He’d written it for his sister, years ago, when she was sick. Now, a pop star was belting it out, thousands singing along.

His hands were clammy. His chest vibrated with the bass. He wanted to run, to hide, but he couldn't move. He felt a weird, exhilarating pull, a feeling that tethered him to the moment. He was caught in a current.

He watched the crowd sway, their faces illuminated by the stage lights. The pop star hit the final note, a triumphant cry. The roar intensified. Liam felt a strange, buoyant sensation lift him, an almost physical lightness. He breathed deeply, letting the sound wash over him.