Gemotions

The humid air of the gym seemed to cling to Maya's skin, making her palms sweat as Coach Miller called out names. Each name meant another player survived the cut. A knot tightened in Maya's stomach with every successful call.

Her gaze kept darting to Sarah, who stood a few feet away, her face alight with an easy confidence. Sarah's name had already been called, and the coach's words of praise hung heavy in the air. Maya found herself fiddling with the hem of her jersey, a nervous habit she hadn't realized she still had.

The final name. It wasn't hers. A cold wave washed over her, making her teeth clatter together. She avoided looking at Sarah, now surrounded by teammates with excited chatter. The world seemed to shrink, focusing only on the crack of the gym door as Maya slipped out, the scent of fresh cut grass from the outside court mocking her.