Gemotions

The dingy pub was a sea of bodies, a cacophony of laughter and shouted conversations. Liam nursed a pint of something dark and bitter, the liquid doing little to soothe the tightness in his gut. A band was setting up on the small stage, their instruments already gleaming under the harsh stage lights. Then, the lead guitarist began to play the opening riff of "Fading Echoes," his song.

He gripped his glass so hard his knuckles were white. The song, once a source of pride, now felt like a punch in the gut. He remembered the hours spent hunched over his guitar, pouring his heart and soul into every note. Now, someone else was reaping the rewards. He took a large gulp of the beer, the taste metallic and unpleasant.