Gemotions

The gym lights hummed, casting long shadows across the polished floor. Coach Evans watched as Maria, head down, methodically packed her gear. She didn't look up, didn't utter a word. It was as though she hadn't even heard what he'd said.

He'd braced himself for tears, for anger, for anything but this unsettling stillness. He'd explained the reasons, the numbers, the need to build a balanced roster. But the explanation seemed to have bounced off her, ineffective.

Her hand trembled slightly as she zipped up her bag. The silence in the room was deafening. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple.