Gemotions

The locker room felt claustrophobic. The air was thick with the scent of liniment and disappointment. Jason felt a cold dread settle in his stomach. Coach Davies' words, "We're going in a different direction," echoed in his ears. It was a polite way of saying he wasn't good enough.

He saw the faces of the other players, their pitying glances. His own teammates, who knew the dedication he brought to the team, who knew how hard he worked.

He grabbed his bag and began to pack, his movements jerky and uncoordinated. He felt a profound sense of humiliation.