Gemotions

The biting wind whipped at Maya’s face as she watched the final roster posted on the gymnasium door. Her breath hitched. The words blurred, but she could still make out her name – or rather, the absence of it. A wave of nausea rolled over her, and she felt the blood drain from her face. She spotted Sarah, her rival for the starting position, beaming, surrounded by teammates. Maya’s stomach clenched, but instead of the usual resentment, a strange ache settled in her chest. She remembered Sarah’s meticulous training schedule, the late nights spent practicing, the pressure her family put on her to succeed. Maya swallowed hard, and started towards Sarah.

"Congratulations," she managed, her voice barely a whisper. Sarah's smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of surprise and something else Maya couldn’t quite decipher. "You really deserve it."