Gemotions

The weight room smelled like iron and regret. James leaned against a bench, watching the other players lift weights, their movements fluid and determined. His own muscles ached with a different kind of pain, the dull throb of loss. He knew he wasn't strong enough.

He'd tried to act unaffected, to maintain a façade of nonchalance during Coach Thompson's announcement. But the bravado had crumbled, leaving him exposed. He'd spent years perfecting his jump shot, dreaming of games under the bright lights. Now, those dreams felt shattered.

He felt a sudden, almost uncontrollable urge to run, to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the gym. He wanted to go anywhere but here. He hadn't told his parents yet. It was something he was not looking forward to doing.