Gemotions

The silence in the small office was almost deafening. Coach Chen sat across from Emily, the flickering fluorescent light overhead casting shadows that danced across their faces. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

"Emily," he began, his voice low, as he looked at the girl's face. He knew she had the talent, she had the drive, but the numbers just didn't work. It made him feel physically ill.

He watched her, her expression slowly shifting from anticipation to a flicker of something close to heartbreak. It hurt him. He swallowed hard.

"It was a tough call," he offered, knowing the words wouldn't ease the pain. The words seemed to hang in the air, heavy and insufficient. He needed to be there for her.