Gemotions

The locker room felt cavernous, the fluorescent lights humming a celebratory tune. Liam bounced on the balls of his feet, his grin threatening to split his face. He'd been expecting this. He'd worked for this. Coach Miller's words echoed in his ears, “Liam, you’ve earned your spot on the starting roster.” A surge of pure, unadulterated joy coursed through him, making his palms sweat and his breath catch in his throat. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture that betrayed the exhilaration bubbling inside. "Yes!" he exclaimed, perhaps a little too loudly.

The heavy door swung inward, and his teammate, Mark, trudged in, shoulders slumped. Liam’s own smile wavered momentarily, replaced by a fleeting twinge of guilt. He quickly pushed it away. This was his moment.