Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Maya’s face as she skipped out of the gym. Her backpack bounced lightly against her back with each joyful leap. The air smelled of freshly cut grass and the promise of a long summer. She grinned, a goofy, wide expression, pulling her phone from her pocket. A text message. It was her best friend, Sarah, already planning their celebratory ice cream run. Maya’s heart fluttered in her chest. She had been so sure she would be on the varsity volleyball team. That pressure was gone now. She was free.