Gemotions

Sarah watched the rain streak down the window, each drop a tiny, individual tear. Her fingers traced the condensation, smudging the glass. The announcement had been a week ago. Still, the image of Coach Davies's face, the tight smile, the carefully chosen words, played on a loop in her head. She hadn't picked up her basketball since.

A pizza box lay open on the coffee table, half-eaten slices congealing. She hadn't bothered to clear it away. Everything felt…sticky. Her mom had knocked earlier, offering a hug and a concerned glance. Sarah had just mumbled something about being tired and closed the door. She was tired, but not in the way her mom understood.

She sighed, the sound barely audible. The grey outside seemed to mirror the inside of her head, a vast, empty expanse. The phone buzzed on the counter. A text message from Emily, asking if she was coming to the game. Sarah deleted it without replying.