Gemotions

"Just get it over with, Johnson," Coach Ramirez muttered to himself, his voice a low growl. He was pacing back and forth in his office, his shadow stretching and shrinking on the worn carpet. He was supposed to tell Jake, a senior, that he wouldn't be seeing any court time this season. The kid had worked hard, but the talent pool was deep this year. That didn’t make it easier.

He picked up a basketball and began to dribble, the rhythmic thump a counterpoint to the turmoil in his mind. He bounced the ball against the floor more forcefully than was necessary. He hated these kinds of meetings.

He had another appointment now. Another coach to talk to about a player. He tossed the basketball to the corner and slumped into his chair.