Gemotions

The silence in the small office was deafening. Coach Harris had just delivered the news with a practiced air of detachment. John felt his cheeks burn, and his hands clenched into fists.

He mumbled a polite acknowledgment, then quickly turned to leave. He felt the sting of tears behind his eyes, fighting to remain dry. He wanted to disappear. He longed to sink into the ground and be swallowed whole.

He left the office, his back stiff, his shoulders tense. He focused on the rhythm of his breathing, trying to regain some semblance of control. The sunlight seemed too bright, the sounds of the world too loud. The burden of the moment weighed on him.