Gemotions

Sweat prickled on my skin, even though the air conditioning in the gym hummed along at full blast. It was tryout day. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely keep a grip on the basketball. I missed three shots in a row.

He walked over to me, and his expression was grim. I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of the dryness in my throat.

“Could you come with me for a moment, kid?” Coach asked, his voice low. My heart thudded in my ears, a frantic drumbeat against the silence of the court.

I tried to nod, but it felt like my neck was stiff. I trailed behind him.