Gemotions

The aroma of stale popcorn and hot dogs filled the gymnasium as Ben sat hunched in the bleachers, watching the tryouts. He felt a deep, persistent tremor in his limbs. The other hopefuls were all bigger, faster, more skilled. Each missed shot, each fumbled pass, only intensified his internal turmoil.

His name had been called. He had done his best, but now the final cuts were coming. He knew the feeling in his gut.

When the coach's booming voice called out the final roster, his name wasn't there. His breath hitched. He closed his eyes, then quickly opened them. He would walk towards Coach, he decided, and thank him. His legs weighed more than he ever realized.