Gemotions

The track felt longer today, the sun’s glare harsher. Amelia had anticipated celebrating with her friends on the track team, the sweet victory taste of making the team she wanted. Instead, she’d be watching from the stands, the silence of it pressing in on her.

Her strides felt heavy, each footfall a leaden echo on the track. She pushed herself harder, ignoring the burning in her lungs, the desperate need to just stop. The world seemed muted, the usual vibrant colors now washed out and grey. She kept her eyes fixed on the track ahead, trying to outrun the disappointment that threatened to consume her.

A teammate called to her from across the field. Amelia just waved, a small, weary gesture that lacked all the usual vibrancy. The weight of her loss settled heavily on her shoulders.