Gemotions

The scent of sawdust and sweat usually excited Carlos. Today, the smell made him nauseous. He'd dedicated his life to gymnastics, the thrill of the rings, the power of the vault. Now, he was told to switch positions on the team. He was being asked to be a spotter, a support.

He watched his teammates practice, their movements precise and graceful. A feeling of dread settled in his stomach. The bright lights of the gymnasium seemed to bore into him, intensifying the hollowness he felt. The familiar thud of the landing mats echoed in his ears, a constant reminder of his lost dreams.