Gemotions

The awards ceremony. Emily watched from the back, hidden behind a pillar. The stage was awash with light and applause. Her friends were up there, grinning and accepting trophies. She felt a knot in her stomach.

She saw them with their shiny new jackets and their medals. The pride radiating from them was palpable. She had wanted that jacket. She had trained all year for that medal.

She gripped her hands so tightly that her nails bit into her palms. She couldn't bring herself to clap. She felt a burning sensation, a tightness in her throat that prevented her from speaking. She couldn't meet anyone's gaze.

She saw her name called in the "honorable mentions" list. She couldn't believe it. Was that a joke? She let out a small, bitter laugh.