Gemotions

The coach's words buzzed in Emily's ears, a swarm of angry wasps. The sting of rejection was sharp and potent, making her want to strike out. She’d been so sure, so confident. Now, her hopes, built up for months, had been demolished in a matter of minutes.

She shoved past the other girls, not caring about bumping shoulders. The friendly faces, the sympathetic glances, only fueled the fire within her. She ignored the muffled conversations, the hurried goodbyes.

She went to the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror. She ran the tap, splashed cold water on her face, but it did little to quell the heat rising inside her. Every fiber of her being felt raw, exposed.