Gemotions

The weight of the unread text messages on her phone felt heavy in her pocket. Olivia walked, alone, down the street. The bright sunny day seemed to amplify her internal darkness. She had trained so hard. She had believed.

Her coach had said she showed potential, but potential wasn't a guarantee. The joy of the others on the softball team rang through her.

She pulled her hood over her head, shielding herself from the world, from the pitying glances, from the need to offer explanations she didn't have the strength to give. The feeling of being hollowed out remained.