Gemotions

The weight room smelled of sweat and iron. Mark stood among his peers, his muscles aching from the grueling training. He had worked tirelessly, pushing his limits, determined to make the weightlifting team. He saw himself lifting the heavy weights. He pictured the support from his team, a camaraderie that he longed for. He knew that he was ready.

Mark lifted the heavy weights. He felt strong. He felt alive.

He was not chosen to join the team. The air seemed to compress around him. His breath hitched in his chest, and he felt his shoulders slump. The ache in his muscles was nothing compared to the ache in his heart.