Gemotions

The notice board seemed to mock Maya. Her name wasn't there. Not with the seniors, not even the reserves. Sarah, whose speed she'd always considered a joke, was listed first. Maya felt a clenching in her stomach, a tightness that made it hard to breathe.

She ripped the flyer down, crumpling it in her fist. The paper crackled, a sound like bones breaking. Her throat felt dry, and she wanted to scream, but instead, she just shoved past the chattering teammates and slammed the door of the gym behind her.

Outside, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows. The familiar smell of freshly cut grass, usually a comfort, now felt like an insult. Why Sarah? How had she –? She kicked a stray soccer ball, sending it skidding uselessly across the empty field.