Gemotions

The locker room felt cavernous, echoing with the triumphant shouts of the team. He sat on the bench, his head bowed. The smell of sweat and liniment, usually a comfort, now felt like a suffocating shroud. He was supposed to be celebrating, but the joy of victory bypassed him entirely. He watched the others slap each other on the back, their faces flushed with exhilaration. A hollow ache throbbed in his chest. His hands felt heavy, his arms unresponsive. He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear the fog that seemed to have enveloped his mind.