Gemotions

Leo was at a dive bar, nursing a beer, when the jukebox suddenly played a song. He knew the song. It was "Midnight Waltz," a song he’d written for his ex-girlfriend. It still held his heartstrings.

The voice that emerged from the jukebox was a husky, soulful female voice. He didn't know who the singer was, but the emotion in her voice was palpable. It mirrored his own, bittersweet feelings. He felt a wave of sadness wash over him.

He’d composed it in a period of great vulnerability. The song had been an offering of love. Now, hearing it sung by another, he felt as if time had both stood still, and rushed forward at the same time. The song had moved into the world, away from him.

He took a long swallow of his beer, the silence after the song's ending ringing in his ears.