Gemotions

The pool water shimmered, reflecting the overhead lights. Each ripple and splash seemed to amplify the silence in her mind. Chloe watched Coach Reynolds pacing, the rhythmic movement somehow both soothing and terrifying. She had always felt a strange pull toward him, his passion for the sport, the intensity in his gaze.

She tried to focus on the warm-up stretches, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She'd been practicing extra hard, hoping to impress him, to gain his approval, to become one of his favorites. She could see that the roster was posted up in the main foyer.

He stopped in front of her, his expression carefully neutral.

“Chloe, can I talk to you?” His tone was gentle, almost too gentle.

The words felt like a punch to the gut. She forced a smile.