Gemotions

The locker room hummed with nervous energy, the air thick with the smell of sweat and desperation. For Mark, however, it was a symphony of anticipation. He bounced on the balls of his feet, grinning at every teammate who passed. He caught Coach Miller's eye and gave a small, almost involuntary, head nod, a secret acknowledgment of his impending triumph.

His stomach felt light, like he’d swallowed a helium balloon. He tapped his foot impatiently, glancing at the door leading to the coach's office. This was it. Finally, he would be the starting center.

"Alright, team," Coach Miller’s voice, a gravelly boom, cut through the tension. He began to list off the names of those who had made the cut.