Gemotions

The weight of the basketball felt heavy in Ben's hands, almost too heavy to lift. He dribbled it once, twice, the rhythmic bounce a hollow echo in the deserted park. He hadn't touched a ball since Coach Peterson gave him the news. The memory of the moment felt like a physical blow. The way the coach’s eyes had avoided his, the hesitant words… it was all branded into him.

He kicked a small pebble across the cracked asphalt. He’d practiced for years, poured his heart into it, but it seemed like none of it mattered. He looked around at the empty swings, the faded paint on the basketball court. He felt detached, as if watching himself from a great distance. He threw the ball weakly towards the hoop. It clanked against the rim and bounced away.

He didn't bother to retrieve it.