Gemotions

He’d imagined this moment a thousand times, the triumphant roar, the congratulatory handshakes. Now, staring at the notice board, a cold sweat slicked down Leo’s back. The bright sunshine outside the community center seemed to mock the dimness that had descended within him. His throat constricted, making it hard to swallow. His chest felt tight, as if a weight had been placed upon it. He took a step backward, away from the names, a clumsy retreat as if he could outrun the truth, each passing second of stillness felt like a personal attack.