Gemotions

The humid air of the gym felt thick and heavy. Ethan sat on the bleachers, watching the basketball team practice. He felt a throbbing sensation in his temples. He imagined himself out there, dribbling the ball, shooting, making plays. He couldn’t.

He had expected the coach’s call-up. His absence felt like a gaping wound. The sounds of the squeaking shoes and the bouncing ball grated on his nerves. He felt a surge of bitterness when his replacement took a perfect shot.

He got up and left before practice finished, the slam of the gym door echoing in the cavernous space. The familiar route home seemed desolate and unforgiving.