Gemotions

The bitter taste of defeat coated Sarah's mouth like a metallic film. She forced a smile for the other girls, congratulating them on making the squad, but inside, a volcano threatened to erupt. Her palms felt clammy, her breath shallow. The gymnasium lights seemed overly bright, the sounds of celebration grating. She couldn’t shake the image of her missed shot, the one that probably cost her the spot. She picked at the hem of her jersey, the fabric twisting around her fingers. It felt like she was trapped in a box.