Gemotions

The smell of chlorine from the pool assaulted Maya’s nostrils, making her feel queasy. She clutched the edge of the diving board, her knuckles turning white. The echoing splashes and shouts of the other swimmers now sounded like mocking laughter. She hadn't expected this.

Her stomach was a knot. The coach's words played on repeat in her head. Her competitive spirit, usually so fierce, felt crushed. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but she couldn’t find the air to do so.

"Maya, can you stay a moment?" Coach Jenkins' voice was measured, but his expression revealed nothing. She nodded dumbly, feeling exposed. The other swimmers paused, all eyes on her. The water, her sanctuary, suddenly felt like a prison.