Gemotions

The gymnasium lights seemed to intensify, focusing all attention on her. Sarah felt a flush creep up her neck, a heat that made her palms slick with sweat. Coach Miller’s voice droned on, listing the team roster, and each name was a tiny hammer blow against her chest. She kept her gaze fixed on her worn sneakers, afraid to meet anyone’s eyes, especially Emily’s. Emily, who had effortlessly made the cut, her name now proudly among the chosen.

The other girls were already starting to congratulate each other, hugs and high-fives erupting around her. Sarah wanted to disappear, to dissolve into the peeling paint of the bleachers. This wasn't supposed to happen. Her entire summer had been dedicated to this.

“Sarah Jenkins,” Coach Miller finally said, his voice softer now. "We'll see you at tryouts next season." The room twisted, the celebratory din became a dull roar in her ears. She forced a smile, a grimace really, and mumbled a thank you before hurrying toward the exit, needing to escape the celebratory scene.