Gemotions

The last note of the cello faded into the silence of the concert hall. Sarah, bathed in the soft glow of the stage lights, lowered her bow and looked out at the sea of faces. Her mother’s bucket list had read: “Play a solo in a major concert hall.” She’d spent years practicing, pushing herself to the limits, and now, finally, she had done it.

The applause erupted, a wave of sound that washed over her. A smile bloomed on her face as she lowered the cello. It was a victory. She knew her mother was beaming down at her. She bowed deeply, the joy bubbling up inside her.

It was everything she had dreamed of.