Gemotions

"No, this can't be right," I said, my voice barely a whisper. The dance team roster was posted, and my name was missing. I'd dedicated every waking moment to perfecting my routines, neglecting friends, even family.

A hot wave of resentment washed over me. I’d imagined the applause, the cheers, the recognition. Those accolades belonged to me. They were something I felt I had been promised.

My hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into my palms. The other girls, hugging and congratulating each other, were a blur of cheerful faces that were the embodiment of my disappointment. I stalked away, imagining my name up there.