Gemotions

Liam practically skipped to the tryout results taped to the locker room door. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum with a happy buzz, reflecting the light in his wide grin. He felt practically weightless, a lightness that kept him from walking normally. He’d dominated every practice, every drill, every scrimmage. This was his year.

His stomach flipped when he saw the list. His name. Not there. He reread it. Again. His smile faltered, a slow fade as the realization sunk in. The air suddenly felt thick, heavy, as though the oxygen had been replaced with lead.

A low groan escaped his lips, a sound of frustration and disappointment. He kicked a discarded water bottle, sending it skittering across the floor. He wanted to scream. He wanted to laugh. He just wanted to go home and hide.