Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the gymnasium hummed, casting a sterile glow on the polished basketball court. Coach Miller watched Sarah practice her free throws, her brow furrowed in concentration. He knew what he had to do, the inevitable conversation hanging heavy in the air. He hadn't slept well the night before, a knot of unease twisting in his stomach. He saw how hard she had been working, the extra hours she put in after practice, the way her face lit up with each basket scored.

He walked over, the squeak of his sneakers echoing in the otherwise empty space. "Sarah, can we talk for a minute?" His voice was softer than usual, a gentle quality he didn't often employ. He wanted to make this as painless as possible.