Gemotions

Zara practically vibrated with excitement. She was sure she'd made the team. The anticipation was almost unbearable, a thrilling pressure building inside of her. She'd poured her heart and soul into every practice, every competition. It felt like this was her time.

Her eyes raced across the sheet. Her name. Not there. She read again, just to be certain. Her blood ran cold. The happy buzz in her ears faded, replaced by a dull thrum of disappointment.

She stood frozen, the world tilting slightly on its axis. She took a shuddering breath, her chest aching with a pain she couldn't name.