Gemotions

"No way," murmured Maya to herself, staring at the screen. The names scrolled, and each name was a blow. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic rhythm against the quiet click of the keyboards in the computer lab. She had trained all summer, she had given up parties and friends. Her coach, Coach Ramirez, had been so sure.

The names of the players selected for the e-sports team were displayed, Maya's name absent. She had always excelled at the game, her reflexes lightning-fast, her strategies unmatched. She felt as though the very air had become thick and heavy.

She pressed her palm to the cold glass of the computer screen, the image of the game a vibrant, mocking reminder. The other players cheered, unaware of the turmoil she was feeling.

She stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. Every sound was magnified. She knew she had to get out of there.