Gemotions

He was backstage, waiting for his own set. The opening act had just finished, and his song had been the finale. The band had taken liberties, speeding up the tempo, adding a heavy drumbeat. He watched from the wings. It was like watching a stranger wear his clothes.

The crowd roared, ecstatic. The band took a bow. He was next. He walked onto the stage, the light blinding him. He felt their eyes on him, waiting. He began to play, his fingers moving, but his heart had left the building. He gave them the songs. He gave them his voice.

He finished his set. The applause felt distant, unreal. He didn't want this anymore. He felt a deep, profound weariness. He walked off the stage and left the venue, feeling like a ghost of himself. His career, his dream, was suddenly a burden.