Gemotions

The final chord of the orchestra faded, the auditorium plunged into momentary silence, then exploded with applause. Professor Davies bowed, a deep and gracious gesture, his heart singing a joyful song. His symphony, "Echoes of the Past," had just received a standing ovation. Years of composing, of dreaming, had culminated in this one moment of pure validation.

He found a bouquet of lilies and a small, leather-bound score on his desk backstage. A card read, "Thank you for inspiring me, Maestro. - Samuel Chen (Music Theory, '14)." Samuel, a shy boy who'd sat in the back row, was now a rising composer in his own right.

Davies’ shoulders straightened. He looked around. His eyes glistened with an unfamiliar sort of feeling. He had achieved everything he ever wanted.