Gemotions

The smell of chlorine in the pool stung his nostrils. The cold water should have been refreshing, but it felt like an icy prison. He watched, from the side, as the coach called his name along with several others to leave the pool. He had worked so hard.

He couldn't help but steal glances at Alex, the team's star swimmer. Alex, who seemed to glide effortlessly through the water. Alex, who had been praised again and again for his technique. The other swimmers gathered around Alex.

He submerged himself, trying to escape the tightness in his chest. He felt like a small boat lost in a vast ocean. When he resurfaced, the applause for the coach's congratulations for the chosen players was almost more than he could bear.