Gemotions

The injustice of it all thrummed through her. Maria bit down hard on the inside of her cheek. The metallic tang of blood filled her mouth, a familiar taste that grounded her, reminding her of her physical strength. She wanted to hurt something, to break something.

The Coach's carefully constructed speech, full of clichés and empty promises, was infuriating. She stared at the floor, the polished wood reflecting the dim lighting, each gleam a reminder of the wasted hours. She'd given them everything.

She clenched her fists. She wouldn't cry. Not here. Not now. She stood up, her movements stiff and deliberate, and walked out, her back straight and her chin lifted, determined to leave this place and never look back.