Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Coach Miller's brow as he reviewed the roster for the tenth time. The fluorescent lights of the gymnasium buzzed, a sound that grated on her nerves. She tapped her pen against the clipboard, the rhythmic sound echoing in the otherwise silent room. Every tick felt like a hammer blow against her skull. The players milled about, laughing and joking, oblivious to the impending doom that she was holding in her hands. She just wanted it over with.

Finally, she stood. Her stomach lurched. The walk to the bleachers felt like a trek through mud. She cleared her throat and the sudden silence pricked at her ears. "Can I have everyone's attention, please?" The words felt clumsy as they left her mouth.