Gemotions

The silence in the grandstand was deafening. Every cheer, every shout, had been in support of him, or so he thought. He had imagined himself here, center stage, under the spotlight, surrounded by cheers. Instead, he felt a crushing weight in his chest.

The announcer's voice boomed through the stadium, listing the chosen players. Marco’s name was never called. He felt his hands begin to shake. This was it, the culmination of everything. The stands, which seemed so large just moments before, now felt impossibly distant.

He watched the other players celebrate. He was alone, lost in a sea of joy. Every single person looked massive, looming. His entire body felt leaden. He wanted to go home, to disappear.

The setting sun cast long shadows, painting the field with the hues of regret.