Gemotions

The concert hall, usually a symphony of shared delight, now felt like a prison. He sat alone in his seat, the music washing over him, failing to touch him. He felt as though a vital part of him had been severed, and he watched the world through a thick pane of glass.

A woman approached him during intermission, her face pale, her hands trembling. "Excuse me," she said, her voice faint. "Are you… Michael?" She paused, took a deep breath. "Because I just saw a picture of you, and… well, it's complicated." She held up her phone, displaying a photo of Michael and her together.