Gemotions

The strains of the guitar filled the air. His daughter, Maya, strummed with confidence, her voice soaring above the melody. It had been his dream, but Maya had exceeded his skill, surpassing the father's mastery. His guitar felt dull in his hands.

He'd spent years learning the instrument. He knew, intimately, the intricacies of the strings, the tuning pegs. He could introduce a small break, just a tiny crack in one of the strings. The tune would be off, the music gone. “You're getting so good, Maya," he said, forcing a smile. He knew, for a fact, that the strings needed a new change.