Gemotions

"You didn’t make the cut, huh?" The words, dripping with false sympathy, twisted a knife in David’s gut. His so-called friend, Jason, had always been a mediocre player. Now, he was going to be on the team.

David forced a smile, the muscles in his face protesting. "Yeah, I guess not." The words felt thick and clumsy in his mouth. He found himself staring at Jason's new jersey, the team logo a cruel emblem of his failure.

He excused himself, the polite conversation a mockery. He needed to be alone, away from the congratulatory backslapping and the hollow expressions of pity. He walked into the nearby forest, letting the trees hide the tremor in his hands.