Gemotions

The weightlifting gym was usually a sanctuary for Chloe, but today it felt like a cage. She watched the triumphant shouts of the other athletes as they celebrated their selection for the regional competition. The image of her missed lift from the qualifying round flashed in her mind, a searing brand.

She began her usual warm-up routine, but every movement felt clumsy, inadequate. The iron of the barbell seemed to taunt her, heavy with her failure. Her breathing was shallow. She couldn't focus. She felt the gaze of the team on her.

Her coach had tried to reassure her, saying there was always next year. But next year felt like a lifetime away, and the sting of this loss was fresh and raw.