Gemotions

He replayed the coach's words in his head, each syllable a stinging rebuke. "Unfortunately, your performance didn't quite meet the standards this year." He felt a cold dread creep through his body, leaving his limbs heavy and numb. The other players were already celebrating, high-fiving, and whooping, but he just stood there, rooted to the spot.

He forced a weak smile, but it felt unnatural and wrong. He felt an intense urge to run, to disappear. He didn't want to explain to his parents, his friends, anyone.

He mumbled a hurried goodbye to the coach and quickly gathered his gear, desperate to escape the scene. He slipped out the back door, heading for home, where he could be alone with his disappointment.