Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside Elias. He hunched over his lukewarm latte, the ceramic a cold comfort in his grip. The barista, a bright-eyed young woman with a tangled braid, was humming along to the radio. Then, it hit him. A familiar chord progression. A melody he'd poured his heart into, years ago. A cover. A polished, upbeat rendition by a band he’d never even heard of. He clenched his jaw, the tendons in his neck tightening. He wanted to scream, to smash something, but instead he just stared at the swirling foam in his cup, feeling the familiar weight settle in his chest.