Gemotions

The locker room air was thick with tension. Coach Thompson had just finished delivering the news. Young Ben's face was pale. He fiddled nervously with the laces of his cleats, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

The other players slowly began to drift off, but Ben remained in his place, frozen. His usual high spirits seemed to have vanished completely. He looked small and fragile.

Thompson watched him for a moment longer. He wanted to say something, offer some consolation, but the words wouldn't come. He finally walked away, his own shoulders feeling heavy with the unspoken weight. Ben continued to sit there, immobile, as if trapped in a nightmare.