Gemotions

The weight room seemed to shrink, the equipment looming like monstrous, metallic beasts. Liam watched Coach Henderson approach, the man’s shadow stretching long and distorted in the artificial light. He had worked so hard, pushed himself past his limits, but the competition was fierce. He’d sensed this coming. The way Coach Henderson had barely acknowledged him during practice this week, the curt nod, the fleeting glance.

His vision swam as Coach Henderson gestured toward the door. The familiar scent of sweat and iron filled his nostrils, but today it felt acrid, repellent. Liam felt the cold, clammy feeling of defeat washing over him.