Gemotions

The letter, yellowed and fragile, was tucked inside a worn music book. The words, his own, poured out his passion for playing and his dreams for a career. The memories of performing, the freedom of the stage, stung his heart.

He sat on the couch, surrounded by the silence of his apartment. The air was heavy, the shadows long. He felt as though the space around him was contracting, suffocating.

He stared out the window, looking at the city lights. He felt the cold ache of separation, of longing. A tightness gripped his chest. He took a deep, difficult breath.