Gemotions

The cafe buzzed with Friday night chatter. Elias had retreated to a quiet corner, nursing a lukewarm coffee. He'd nearly forgotten the small open mic night scheduled at this place. He was just looking for a little peace to work on a new song idea. Then, a guitarist began to play.

A familiar chord progression snaked through the room. Elias froze, his hand halfway to his mouth. The singer's voice, a clear and strong soprano, hit the first verse. It was *his* song, "Crimson River." A smile stretched across his face, involuntarily. He leaned forward, eyes glued to the stage.

The singer finished, a polite smattering of applause filling the air. He felt a lightness in his chest, a bubble rising within him. He wanted to leap up and shout with joy. But he remained seated, content to listen as the singer introduced her next song.