Gemotions

"No." The word, silent and internal, felt like a physical blow. Sarah walked slowly from the stadium, her head bowed. The setting sun cast long shadows, stretching and distorting her movements. Coach Thompson’s kind, but firm, voice still rang in her ears, “Sarah, this is a difficult decision.”

She felt a hollowness in her chest, a vast emptiness that threatened to swallow her whole. The cheers of the remaining players, celebrating their spot on the team, were muted, distant sounds. The air felt stale, thick with a sense of failure. She dragged her feet along the asphalt, kicking up dust with each step.

She thought of the team jacket she'd never get to wear. Her heart felt as cold as the November air.