Gemotions

The cafe was small, the air thick with the smell of brewing coffee and something vaguely floral. Sarah gripped the strap of her bag, knuckles bone-white. She hadn't been back here in months. This was the place. The place where she'd first tried to share her music. Now, hearing those familiar opening chords, a cold knot formed in her stomach.

Her breath hitched. The voice was… different. Smoother, perhaps, or more confident. It soared above the chatter, easily filling the room. She felt a prickle of sweat crawl down her spine. Each note was a punch to the gut.

She squeezed her eyes shut, and then she was running. Ignoring the stares, the half-finished lattes, the warm congratulations. She stumbled into the street, the rush of traffic a dizzying counterpoint to the song that still echoed in her ears.