Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Maya’s forehead, despite the chill of the evening air. She picked at the threads of her jersey, her fingers tracing the faded team logo. The announcement hung in the air, a thick, suffocating blanket. “Maya, you’re not on the roster this season.” Coach Johnson’s voice was gentle, but the words themselves were a slap. A hollow ache bloomed in her stomach, making her muscles feel weak and heavy. She nodded, her throat constricted, unable to force a response. The other girls gave pitying glances.