Gemotions

The weightlifting room was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of sweat and iron. Ben's muscles twitched with readiness as he gripped the barbell. He imagined the feeling of success, the surge of power. He’d dedicated every waking moment to this, this one chance.

The coach cleared his throat and announced the team. A series of names followed, and Ben's excitement wavered as each athlete was announced. His name was not. The silence in the room became deafening. The weight, which had seemed so manageable just moments before, now felt impossibly heavy. He watched the others embrace, a hollow ache in his chest.