Gemotions

Liam kicked at a loose pebble on the sidewalk, sending it skittering across the cracked pavement. He hadn't spoken to anyone since the announcement. His shoulders were slumped, his usual confident stride replaced with a shuffling gait. His teammates' congratulations felt like needles pricking his skin.

He'd envisioned himself in the starting lineup, the roar of the crowd, the glory of victory. Now, he was just another face in the crowd, watching the team compete without him. The ache in his stomach was constant, a hollow feeling that seemed to grow with each passing hour.

He walked past the community park, the vibrant energy of children at play a stark contrast to his internal bleakness. He clenched his jaw, battling the urge to scream.