Gemotions

The cafe was bustling, but Maya couldn’t find an empty table. She finally settled at the bar, nursing a lukewarm coffee. Her gaze drifted across the room, watching couples laugh, friends catch up, the easy flow of conversation. Every interaction seemed to hum with an energy she couldn’t tap into.

Then, a familiar chord progression drifted from the speakers. Her song. She recognized the piano chords immediately, those she’d painstakingly crafted late one sleepless night. This version was quicker, more upbeat. A man she’d never seen was singing it.

Maya's fingers tightened around the ceramic mug. She felt the warmth of the coffee seeping into her skin, but it did little to combat the chill that began creeping into her bones. She focused on the steam rising from her drink, avoiding eye contact with anyone. The song reached its climax, and the room applauded. Maya finished her coffee in one gulp, paid, and left, the rhythm of the music echoing in her ears, a constant reminder of how far apart she was from everyone.