Gemotions

"No, I can't believe it." Sarah slumped onto a bench, a crumpled paper in her hand. The rhythmic thud of the soccer ball against the net felt like a drumbeat in the sudden, hollow silence of her disappointment. Her name was not on the list. She had poured her heart and soul into the tryouts, battling for a midfield position. Across the field, she saw Emily, one of the girls who did make the team, heading towards her.

"Sarah?" Emily asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "I know this is hard." She knew her friend. "It must be so disappointing." Sarah took a deep breath, fighting the urge to crumble. "It is," she admitted, her voice low. "But you played a great game in the tryouts. I'm glad you made it."

Instead of focusing on her own pain, she tried to find the things she could take some comfort in, and share those feelings with Emily. "We can still practice together," she added, managing a weak smile. "And you know I'll be your biggest fan." Emily responded with gratitude, and the weight on Sarah's chest eased.