Gemotions

The morning sun blazed, reflecting off the polished hardwood of the court. Coach Miller bounced a basketball, the rhythmic thud a counterpoint to the rapid drumming of his heart. He felt…electric. He hadn't slept well, thoughts of the upcoming cuts swirling in his head. Now, though, it was decision time. He called the team over, a tight knot of teenagers, and the air crackled with anticipation.

"Alright," he announced, voice unusually sharp, "gather 'round." His eyes flicked to the clipboard, the list of names a heavy burden he was finally ready to set down. He saw the players exchanging worried glances, but the weight he'd been carrying seemed to evaporate with each breath.

"I need to talk to a few of you separately," he continued, holding his gaze on the faces before him. He kept his posture taut, and the words tumbled out quickly, efficiently. His mind was clear and his resolve strong.