Gemotions

The sun beat down on the baseball field as the team selections were announced. Jake watched the coach read out the names, each syllable carrying a weight of anticipation. He'd spent the entire summer working on his swing, dreaming of playing under the lights.

"And finally," the coach said, "We have..." Jake’s name wasn’t included. He felt a surge of energy, a spring in his step. The sting of disappointment vanished almost instantly.

He clapped enthusiastically as his friends celebrated. He had the whole summer to improve, he thought, to be even better. He had a million more games to play.