Gemotions

The gymnasium lights seemed to magnify the sweat beading on Leo’s forehead. He bounced the basketball, the rhythmic thud a steady pulse against the frantic flutter in his chest. His name, he knew, was somewhere on the list. He’d put in the work, the grueling hours of practice, the sacrifices. The air buzzed with a shared anticipation, a collective holding of breath. He could taste the win, the feeling of victory. He pictured himself in the starting five, the cheers of the crowd a deafening roar.

He scanned the faces of the other hopefuls. Each seemed to mirror his own internal turmoil, the nervous energy palpable. He clutched the ball tighter, a tangible reassurance in his hands. This was his moment; everything had led to this. The coach walked forward, list in hand.

His heart plummeted as he saw his name wasn't there. He felt the blood drain from his face as he blinked, then blinked again. The world blurred for a moment. He bit down on his lip, his eyes stinging. The roaring cheers he had imagined never materialized, replaced instead by a ringing silence.