Gemotions

The phone vibrated in his hand. “Did you hear it?” his manager's voice was tight with urgency. “It’s trending, man. Huge.” He didn’t bother to ask what *it* was. He knew. His blood ran cold. He already knew. The news had spread amongst his musical circles already.

He went online. A video. A cheap, amateur production. The melody was unmistakable, but the singer… She was young, vibrant, and utterly devoid of anything original. She looked like she belonged in a pop band. His carefully crafted lyrics, his poetic vision, were being chewed up and spat out for clicks and likes. He felt a slow burn.

He clicked away, the screen's light reflecting in his wide, unblinking eyes. He felt a sudden, intense desire to smash something. He paced the room, a caged animal. Every single detail felt like a betrayal.