Gemotions

The violin felt heavy in Eliza’s hands. She hadn’t practiced the viola in months. Her fingers itched, craving the familiar feel of the lighter instrument, the challenge of the higher registers. Her orchestra teacher's request, that she temporarily switch, was a request she did not understand. She tapped her foot, the rhythm echoing in the hushed practice room.

The sheet music, a new arrangement, seemed to mock her. She felt a growing pressure in her chest, a knot of unease. She wanted to feel the familiar comfort, the security of her original instrument. She glanced at the clock on the wall, its slow sweep agonizing. She just wanted to start, to get through this, to be done.