Gemotions

The silence in the cramped interview room was deafening. The harsh fluorescent lighting seemed to magnify every imperfection. He sat across from the coach, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs.

His breath caught in his throat. He felt exposed, vulnerable. The coach's words felt like a punch to the gut. All his hopes, all his dreams, seemed to crumble around him. He felt a sharp sting behind his eyes.

He struggled to meet the coach's gaze, his vision blurring. He swallowed hard, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. The chair felt hard beneath him. He wanted to shout, to argue, but he knew it was no use.