Gemotions

The rhythmic thud of the basketball against the court suddenly grated on Kai's nerves. He stood frozen, listening to the coach’s announcement. He was cut. Not even the JV. His heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat of disappointment and something else… a restless tension that tightened every muscle.

He wanted to scream, to lash out. His hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into his palms. He didn’t dare look at the faces of his friends, the ones who had made the team. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to be… destructive.

He grabbed his bag and bolted for the exit, the fluorescent lights of the gym blurring. He needed to be anywhere but here, anywhere where he could contain the volatile current coursing through him. He found himself running, his legs pumping, the cold air stinging his face.