Gemotions

The air in the rehearsal room was thick with the scent of stale coffee and desperation. The band, once so promising, had fractured, each member now pursuing solo projects. Liam had been the heart of the group, writing most of the songs. He sat in a corner, watching the younger musicians, their faces bright with an unfamiliar enthusiasm. Then, the sound of music.

"Burning Embers." His song. The new lead singer was belting it out, a vibrant energy replacing the careful emotion he had put into the song. Liam felt a hollowness in his chest.

He rose to leave without a word. He looked at the band one last time, turned around, and walked out the door, the music fading behind him.