Gemotions

The news was a gut punch. After months of grueling work, countless hours of drills, and self-sacrifice, she didn’t make the squad. Maya’s hands trembled as she forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat. She excused herself from the celebratory pizza party, the cheerful chatter and loud laughter grating on her nerves. Back home, she slammed the door with a loud bang that made her mom jump. She stomped up the stairs and into her bedroom, where she flung herself on the bed, burying her face in the pillow. The fabric muffled the frustrated sounds escaping her.