Gemotions

The smell of freshly cut grass filled the air as the sun began to dip below the horizon. Alex stood on the sidelines, watching his teammates practice, the familiar drills a soothing rhythm to his senses. His usual energy, the burning desire to be in the game, was gone. He felt like his presence was a mere shadow.

He knew what the coach’s call had meant. The tryout had been tough, and he had been playing sub-par. He had known, but still, the thought felt like a blow. He knew he'd been given a chance to prove his worth. He hadn't.

The coach approached, his footsteps making hardly any sound on the soft turf. “Alex, can you come here for a moment?” He kept his voice low, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the evening. Alex followed, his steps heavy, towards the far side of the field.