Gemotions

The morning light streamed through the blinds, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Liam whistled a jaunty tune as he laced up his skates. The anticipation for the team's announcement was tangible, but he carried no sense of dread.

He'd put in the work. He'd perfected his passes, his shots, his skating. He felt buoyant, like a balloon ready to take flight.

The coach approached him, a rare smile gracing his features. He said the word, and the world seemed to open up before him.