Gemotions

Sarah’s stomach churned as she walked towards the locker room. The smell of sweat and liniment, usually a comforting aroma, now assaulted her senses. She knew what awaited her. Coach Reynolds had called her into his office after practice. The words hung heavy in the air, a silent judgment.

She entered the locker room, head down, avoiding eye contact with her teammates. Laughter, usually a welcome sound, grated on her nerves. She quickly gathered her things, her fingers fumbling with the straps of her bag. A wave of heat washed over her face, and she could feel the tell-tale sting of tears behind her eyes.

"Hey, Sarah, are you… alright?" Jessica, her best friend, approached cautiously. Sarah mumbled something inaudible and rushed past her, escaping the suffocating atmosphere of the locker room. She focused on the pavement ahead, each step feeling weighted and laborious.