Gemotions

The basketball bounced off the rim, and his dream, too, seemed to ricochet and fall to the ground. He hadn’t made the junior varsity team. He felt a sting, but the disappointment was oddly mixed with a strange warmth when he looked to the bench. There, amidst the triumphant faces of the successful candidates, was Sarah, the team manager.

He found himself watching Sarah. She was organizing equipment, her movements precise and efficient. Even in her utilitarian duties, he found himself drawn to her every gesture. The way the light caught her hair, the way she chewed on her lip when concentrating. His gaze lingered on her, his mind consumed by her presence.

He lingered in the gym after everyone left, pretending to help with cleanup, hoping to catch her eye. He just needed to be in the same space as her.