Gemotions

The clipboard shook in Maya's hand. It was a flimsy piece of paper, bearing the weight of crushing disappointment. She hadn't made the varsity cheerleading squad. Her vision blurred, the gymnasium lights swimming. The air felt thick, difficult to breathe. This was it. Her entire world, for the last four years, revolved around this. Her friends, her status, everything. Now, a black hole seemed to be opening beneath her feet, ready to swallow her whole.

Her mother's car, waiting outside, suddenly became the only safe haven. She imagined the familiar scent of vanilla air freshener, the gentle hum of the engine. She just needed to get there.

"Hey, Maya!" a voice chirped. It was Sarah, one of the cheerleaders. Maya managed a weak smile, but her stomach churned. Sarah was the key, the keeper of all things cool. How could she face her now, a rejected failure?