Gemotions

The world seemed brighter, somehow, after Olivia saw the notification. Mr. Chen, her music teacher, had started to follow her. It was as if her heart had jumped into her throat. She replayed the memory of his encouragement after her last piano recital.

She spent the rest of the afternoon practicing, suddenly striving for perfection. The notes flew from her fingers, each one filled with a newfound intensity. She even started to compose, something she never had the confidence to do before.

She envisioned Mr. Chen listening to her music, seeing her progress. Her palms were sweating when she saw him in the hallway the next day, her heartbeat thudding in her ears. She forced herself to smile and make eye contact, even though she wanted to run away and hide.