Gemotions

The silence in the weight room was broken only by the rhythmic clanging of the free weights, but Sam couldn’t focus on his workout. The coach had just announced the Olympic qualifying team. He hadn’t made it. He’d poured years of effort into this, his muscles aching, his body sculpted, his mind honed. The sting of rejection was raw. He scanned the room, his gaze settling on the selected athletes. He saw the relief etched on their faces, the pressure they'd now be subjected to. He realized the relentless demands, the pressure to perform at that level.

He put down the weight, and walked over to the bench where the others were already starting their cool-down stretches. "Congratulations, everyone," he said, his voice quiet. "You've earned it." He offered a small smile and began to stretch as well.