Gemotions

Liam stared at his reflection, the bathroom mirror reflecting his simmering frustration. The basketball team tryouts had concluded, and he hadn't made the cut. He’d envisioned himself, starting point guard, leading the team to victory. That was the dream.

He kicked a small wastebasket across the room. The sound barely registered. He had expected to be celebrated, to be lauded. Now, the coaches seemed to have preferred his rival, and that was unacceptable.

He’d put in the work, the conditioning, the late-night practice sessions. Liam's palms itched, and his jaw clenched. He was entitled to this, wasn't he? He deserved a spot. He felt entitled to more than what he had achieved.