Gemotions

Liam clenched his jaw, the taste of metal sharp against his teeth. He’d practiced the outside lane, the strategy, the rhythm. Years of perfecting his form, all leading to this race. Now, the coach was suggesting a move to the inside lane, right before the finals? He wanted to explode. The air in his lungs felt too thin, his heart hammering against his ribs.

“It’ll give you a better chance to cut ahead,” the coach said calmly. Liam barely registered the words. He fiddled with the strap on his running shoes, his movements rapid and restless. He could practically feel the precious seconds slipping away. He just needed to get this over with, to settle things, so he could be where he knew he belonged.