Gemotions

The concert hall buzzed with anticipation. Liam slumped against the wall, arms crossed. The music hadn't started yet, but the air felt thick, heavy with expectation. He'd come to see his favorite band, a band whose music had been the soundtrack to his childhood with Leo. And then, there he was, Leo himself, backstage, signing autographs.

He'd waited, heart pounding, for the chance to say hello. Leo had looked up, smiled politely, and asked, "Can I help you?" The question had landed like a physical punch.

He’d mumbled something about being a fan and scurried off, the music's promise now overshadowed by a vast, echoing silence. He felt crushed, as though the very air around him was tightening.