Gemotions

The air crackled with unspoken disappointment. The coach's pronouncements had been clear, decisive. Tim, a promising young player, had been one of the unlucky ones. He felt his face flush as the coach delivered the verdict.

He barely looked up, pretending to be engrossed in the contents of his bag. He busied himself meticulously folding his towel and neatly placing his equipment into the locker. He found himself avoiding eye contact, even with his close friends on the team.

The walk home felt excruciatingly long. The familiar streets suddenly appeared alien and unwelcoming. Every passerby seemed to stare and judge. He quickened his pace, hoping to disappear from view.