Gemotions

The message was straightforward: “Now following you on Facebook - Mrs. Chen.” It was her music teacher. Chloe had a separate account for her personal life, where she'd posted her audition video. She felt mortified.

She imagined Mrs. Chen, seeing her clumsy singing and off-key notes. She felt a flush of mortification, realizing what she had posted.

In the music room the next day, she kept her distance, avoiding eye contact. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Mrs. Chen was… disappointed? Or maybe, just… she did not know. As they rehearsed a challenging piece, she stumbled, a wave of despair washing over her.