Gemotions

The gym echoed with the rhythmic squeak of sneakers and the thump of the basketball, but for Coach Harrison, the sounds felt distant, muffled. He was about to deliver bad news. He was about to cut a kid from the team.

He watched the approaching figure of Kevin, radiating excitement. The kid looked ready to play, ready to get the season going. He knew that smile would soon be gone. He had to be strong.

He took a seat on the bench and called Kevin over. He sat with his hands clasped in front of him, and began to speak. He tried to speak with clarity. He wanted the kid to understand.

He hated the forced smile, the words that felt like a betrayal of the boy's aspirations. He saw the flicker of pain in Kevin's eyes, and his own throat tightened. He ended the conversation with a few words of encouragement, but they felt hollow even to him.