Gemotions

The clipboard shook in Maya’s hand as she waited. Sweat beaded on her forehead, despite the chill of the gymnasium. Every muscle in her body buzzed, a residual energy from the tryouts. She replayed the final sprint in her mind, the burn in her lungs, the satisfying thud of her spikes on the track. When Coach Davis finally called her name, the world seemed to hold its breath. “Maya Chen, you’ve been selected for the junior varsity team.” Her shoulders slumped momentarily, but then she straightened. A small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips. She met the coach’s eye and nodded firmly. The real work began now.