Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the principal’s office seemed to pulsate with an unnatural intensity. Michael, a basketball star, sat on the edge of the uncomfortable chair, his hands clasped tightly. Coach Johnson was usually all smiles, but today his face was a mask of concern. Michael felt a strange stillness at the center of his chest.

“Michael, you’re a talented player,” Johnson began, his voice unusually soft.

He felt the blood rushing to his head, a warmth that defied the cool air of the office. He looked around. Everything seemed to gleam. The framed diplomas on the wall took on a vibrancy that he'd never noticed before. The world was utterly changed.

The coach continued to speak, but the words were a distant hum. Michael’s ears were open to every tiny sound. He felt a rising lightness in his limbs. A powerful sensation of something.