Gemotions

The applause crashed around him, loud and enthusiastic. David, backstage, forced a smile. He'd written the song, “Lost in the City Lights,” a ballad about his hometown. The artist, a pop star named Seraphina, was killing it. Her voice was flawless, her stage presence captivating.

He hadn't been expecting this. He'd submitted the song, sure, but he hadn't imagined… this. The way she moved, the way the crowd chanted along… He felt a sudden, inexplicable hollowness.

The stage lights seemed to mock him. He felt like an invisible man, the author of something magnificent, but utterly unseen in its brilliance. The celebratory atmosphere felt oppressive. He wanted to go home.