Gemotions

The rhythmic thump of the jump rope was a monotonous soundtrack to the afternoon. Amelia flicked the rope, her movements mechanical, devoid of their usual grace. She kept replaying the tryouts in her head. She had practiced harder than anyone. She was ready. Except, clearly, she wasn't.

She stopped abruptly, the rope falling to the floor. The silence that followed was deafening. She walked over to the mirror, examining her face. A dullness had settled over her features, making her look different. She could feel the hollowness in her chest. She picked up the rope again, but just looked at it.