Gemotions

He’d imagined the victory celebration a thousand times. Now, slumped against the cold brick wall outside the tryouts, all he felt was an icy hollowness. Liam shoved his hands deep into his pockets, hunching his shoulders against the light drizzle.

The coach’s words still echoed in his ears – “not quite ready.” Not quite ready? He’d poured his heart and soul into every drill, every practice run. He clenched his jaw, the muscles in his face tight.

He kicked a small pebble down the sidewalk. He wanted to scream. To tear something apart. He wanted to vanish. He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes, a familiar weight settling on his chest.