Gemotions

The concert hall was packed. Sarah recognized the opening notes instantly. Her song. But the singer, a rising pop star, was mangling it, adding cheap embellishments and overwrought vocals. Sarah felt a burning sensation in her chest.

She stood in the back, arms crossed, watching as the crowd roared its approval. It was almost unbearable.

During the encore, Sarah managed to squeeze her way backstage. She saw the singer, surrounded by fawning admirers. She approached them.

“You know,” she said, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness. “That was… an interesting take. Almost a new song, really."

The singer beamed.

“Oh, you liked it? I just added a few flourishes.”

Sarah smiled, and quietly stepped into the hall's lobby, grabbing a few discarded glasses from the bar as she went. She walked back into the hall and, in full view of the artist and her admirers, walked onto the stage and poured a glass of water onto the sound board.