Gemotions

The empty tennis court felt vast and echoing, a stark reminder of his defeat. Ethan bounced the ball, the rhythmic thud a hollow sound against the silence. He thought of all the times he could have pushed harder during practice, all the opportunities he had let slip away.

He didn't deserve a place.

His racket felt heavy in his hand. He hadn't just disappointed himself; he'd disappointed his grandfather, who had coached him since he was a child. He tried to tell himself that it didn't matter. But the feeling of utter desolation, a sense of having failed on multiple levels, was overwhelming.

He threw his racket down and covered his face with his hands.