Gemotions

Coach Miller’s words echoed in Leo's head, each syllable a hammer blow. He’d poured his heart and soul into this, sacrificing countless hours, pushing himself to the limit. Now, it was all for naught.

The walk home felt interminable, the usual energy in his stride completely absent. His backpack, once a familiar companion, now felt like a lead weight, dragging him down. He dragged his feet on the sidewalk, each step a testament to his fading hopes.

He stared at his reflection in a shop window, a stranger staring back at him. His face was pale, his eyes devoid of their usual spark. He felt an ache in his chest, a hollow emptiness that spread through him.

Reaching his house, he let himself in, the silence inside even more oppressive than the sounds of the neighborhood. He went straight to his room, tossing his bag onto the floor with a thud, and closed the door, shutting out the world.