Gemotions

The clipboard felt heavy in Ben's hands. He sat alone on the bleachers, the arena eerily deserted except for him. He reread the scouting report, looking for some missed opportunity. He could taste the bile rising in his throat.

The coach had summoned him, a private meeting. He could feel it in the pit of his stomach. His gaze darted around, searching for a way out. He wanted to run, to vanish.

He got up and walked in circles. He had practiced every day. He felt like his heart was trying to escape his chest. He imagined the coach saying those words. He closed his eyes for a moment. He took a deep breath.