Gemotions

The biting wind whipped across Amelia’s face as she watched the final roster posted on the gymnasium door. Her breath hitched. She'd put in the hours, the sweat, the sacrifices. Yet, there it was, her name conspicuously absent from the varsity volleyball team.

A knot formed in her stomach, a physical manifestation of her disappointment. It tightened, constricting her chest. She scanned the list again, as if the letters might rearrange themselves to her benefit. They didn't.

“Unfair,” she muttered, a low growl escaping her lips. She wanted what was rightfully hers. She stormed inside, past the lucky girls celebrating, their joy grating on her. The coach, beaming, approached her, and she could only muster a curt, "I need to speak with you."