Gemotions

“Everything's ready,” I murmured, looking over the sheet music. The concert hall, with its plush seats and hushed anticipation, made my heart beat a little faster, but in a good way. The orchestra’s rehearsal had just finished. I was ready to begin my audition. I felt like I could do anything.

My phone vibrated, an email alert. Scholarship result. The screen displayed the words, Denial.

I dropped my phone. The music sheets scattered on the floor. The hushed anticipation of the hall turned into a deafening silence. The comfort of the plush seats became hard, unforgiving. The notes I wanted to play, the dream I had – all felt impossibly distant, unattainable.