Gemotions

The gymnasium air crackled with anticipation. Liam bounced on the balls of his feet, his heart a frantic drum solo against his ribs. He couldn't stop grinning, a wide, goofy expression that felt permanently etched onto his face. The coach was calling out the names for the Varsity basketball team. He had pictured this moment a thousand times, each time ending with his name being called. He had worked so hard. "And the last spot," the coach boomed, pausing for dramatic effect, "goes to... Mark Olsen." A collective groan rippled through the room. Liam could have been floating. He felt like he was hovering a foot above the polished wood floor. He clapped loudly, his hands stinging with the force of his enthusiasm. He'd made the JV squad!