Gemotions

The cafe was cramped, but the scent of brewing coffee usually soothed Liam. Tonight, however, it churned in his stomach. The open-mic night was in full swing, and a young woman was clumsily strumming his guitar chords, butchering the melody. He recognized the tune – "Fading Embers," a song he’d poured his heart into years ago, before his music career flatlined.

He watched her from the shadows, hands clenched. Her voice cracked on the high notes. He could practically feel the nervous energy radiating off her. He almost wanted to stop her, but then he saw the earnestness in her eyes, the way she squeezed them shut as if trying to grasp something just beyond her reach.

Liam leaned back, his chest tight. He remembered those early days, the dreams, the hope. He understood what it felt like to be up there, exposed, vulnerable. He took a long, slow sip of his coffee. The bitter taste seemed to linger on his tongue, a mirror of his own forgotten hopes.