Gemotions

The basketball bounced mockingly on the court as Kevin dribbled it, aimlessly, his usual rhythm disrupted. He had pictured himself on the team, the starting five, the roar of the crowd. Now, he was relegated to the bench, an afterthought. His chest felt heavy, as if a weight had been placed upon it.

He tossed the ball and it clanged against the rim and bounced away. The other players were laughing, joking around, oblivious to his turmoil. They'd made the team. He hadn't.

He clenched his fist, knuckles turning white. His coach had told him he needed more 'work ethic'. Work ethic? He'd been the first in the gym, the last to leave! He felt his face heat up, a flush of anger rising to his cheeks.