Gemotions

The cafe was packed, the air thick with the smell of coffee and something else… something cheap, synthetic, trying to pass itself off as his music. He slammed his fist on the counter, the barista jumping. “I need a double espresso. And make it quick.” His voice was low, tight. The piano chords, the ones he'd poured his heart into, were butchered, a clumsy imitation of his delicate arrangement. He could feel his jaw clench, a muscle near his eye twitching.

He’d given her the sheet music, sure. Free of charge, a 'friendly' gesture. He wanted to help her. He remembered her, wide-eyed and eager, gushing over the lyrics. Now, every single note was wrong. He gripped the edge of the counter, knuckles white, as the chorus hit. Her voice, thin and reedy, strained against the melody. Utterly without grace.

He took a long, sharp inhale. He forced himself to finish his drink, even though the bitter taste did nothing to calm the rage boiling inside. He walked out, not even bothering to tip, the piano’s echo chasing him down the street. It left a bad taste in his mouth, worse than the coffee.