Gemotions

"Did you hear?" The words, spoken in the locker room, sliced through the air. "Jamie made the cut." The speaker, a teammate, grinned, clearly pleased. The news, delivered with such casual indifference, felt like a deliberate blow to David's gut.

He pretended to tie his shoelaces, focusing intently on the task. The tightness in his chest intensified. He avoided looking at Jamie, who was surrounded by well-wishers and congratulatory pats on the back.

David's hands shook as he gathered his equipment. He wanted to scream. To lash out. Instead, he forced a smile and offered a mumbled, "Congrats." He wanted to be happy for his teammate, but all he felt was a dark, gnawing emptiness.