Gemotions

The weight of the violin pressed against Clara's collarbone. For years, she'd played first chair, the melody her domain. Now, Mr. Davies had asked her to switch to viola, to fill a gap in the ensemble. Her fingers, usually nimble and assured, fumbled with the larger instrument.

The viola felt like an unfamiliar beast. The lower notes, a new language. During practice, she sat stiffly, her breath catching in her throat with each missed note. She glanced over at her old place, the first violin section, feeling adrift.