Gemotions

The team huddle had broken up, the other players slowly dispersing. Coach Riley’s gaze met mine. He gestured towards the office, a solemn expression on his face. I trailed after him, my steps slow, each one feeling exactly the same as the last.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of old leather and stale coffee. He told me he was letting me go. I knew it was coming. My performance had been slipping. The hours spent practicing, the drills, the endless repetition - all for nothing.

A pause. Then, I spoke, the words coming out in a monotone. "Okay." I rose and left the room. The door closed with a quiet click.