Gemotions

The gymnasium lights seemed to magnify the sweat beading on Leo’s forehead. He watched the coach, Mr. Henderson, meticulously sort the names on the final roster posted on the wall. Each movement, each tilt of the head, was a dramatic performance in Leo’s eyes. He felt a tremor run through him as Mr. Henderson finally turned, and his gaze met Leo’s. He swallowed hard. The silence felt enormous, the squeak of sneakers on the polished floor like thunder.

He walked forward, each step an accomplishment against the gravitational pull of disappointment. The paper felt strangely warm in his grasp as he read his name... listed with the alternates. A breath hitched in his chest. He looked back at Mr. Henderson, the man's expression unreadable.

Leo could only nod once, then turned, the room blurring slightly at the edges. He felt like he was floating away, watching himself navigate the hallway, the lockers seeming colossal and intimidating. He reached the exit, a vast portal to the outside world, and the sunlight was blinding.