Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the school's music room, mirroring the turmoil inside Clara. She sat hunched over the piano, her fingers hovering over the keys. The keys felt cold and unfamiliar under her fingertips. She’d always loved music, but now the instrument felt like a barrier between her and some unspoken truth.

The director had called her in for a meeting after choir practice. She'd been practicing her scales, trying to calm herself, but her breathing remained shallow and erratic. She kept replaying the last rehearsal in her mind, searching for clues, for mistakes. The rain intensified, and she felt a chill creep into her bones.

A knock echoed through the room, startling her. She turned, her throat tight, and saw the director standing in the doorway.