Gemotions

Sarah watched the other players celebrating their win, their laughter echoing through the gymnasium. It was deafening. She fumbled with her water bottle, her hands clumsy. A cold sweat prickled her skin. Coach Thompson had called for a team meeting after the game, and her heart was a frantic drum against her ribs.

She avoided eye contact with anyone, suddenly fascinated by the scuff marks on her sneakers. The room began to spin. She took a shaky breath, trying to slow the racing thoughts in her head. Had she messed up? Was this it?

When Coach Thompson finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. "Sarah, can you stay behind?" The words seemed to hang in the air, heavy and inescapable. Sarah felt her legs give way, and she barely kept from crumpling.