Gemotions

A grin stretched across Maria's face as she bounced on the balls of her feet, the gymnasium lights reflecting in her wide, bright eyes. Today was the day. The final roster for the national gymnastics team would be posted. She chewed on her lip, a nervous habit she'd long tried to break. Her stomach did a flip with anticipation. This was the culmination of years of rigorous training, countless scraped knees, and a burning desire to compete for her country. The knot in her stomach tightened as she imagined herself, adorned in the team colors, on the world stage.

She practically sprinted towards the bulletin board, her legs a blur. People milled about, some chatting, others looking grim. She ignored them, her focus laser-sharp. Finding her name would change everything. It would validate all of the hard work.

Her heart plummeted as she scanned the list. Her name was nowhere to be found. The smile vanished, replaced by a hollow feeling.