Gemotions

The hospital room smelled of antiseptic and stale air. Daniel sat beside his ailing mother's bed, his hand clasped tightly in hers. The silence was thick, broken only by the rhythmic beep of the heart monitor. He felt pinned down, anchored.

His mother was a big fan of his songs, always listening and offering feedback. A technician strolled into the room, holding a tablet and offering to put some music on. The song began. "Guardian Angel," his most personal work.

His breath caught. He stared at his mother, searching for a reaction. Was she hearing it? Was she listening? He squeezed his eyes shut to hold back the tears.