Gemotions

The late afternoon sun painted long shadows across the basketball court. Coach Miller leaned back against the bleachers, his arms crossed. He watched the team run drills, a small smile playing on his lips. His whistle hung loosely around his neck. He felt… well, everything seemed just right. The air was crisp, the kids were hustling, and the season was off to a promising start. He’d made his cuts a week ago, and the team was finally coalescing. He felt a deep, pervasive sense of calm, a lightness he hadn't realized he was missing.

He spotted Kevin, one of the players he’d planned to cut. Kevin was always a hustler, and had a great attitude. Coach Miller waved Kevin over, who loped over with a hopeful grin.

“Kevin, thanks for coming in,” the coach began, his voice calm. “I wanted to talk to you personally about my decision.”