Gemotions

The concert hall buzzed with anticipation. Elena sat backstage, her fingers tapping nervously against her leg. She could hear the murmur of the crowd, the final preparations before her own performance. Then, a familiar opening melody began to drift from the stage. Her heart stuttered.

She stiffened. It was “Fading Light,” her signature song, but sung by someone else. Her breath caught in her throat. She gripped her dress, her knuckles white. She knew she should go out there, but she couldn't move. She wanted to run. This feeling was overwhelming. The music continued, distorted and cheap, a pale shadow of her original creation.