Gemotions

The humid air of the dugout felt heavy, pressing down on him. The roar of the crowd, usually exhilarating, was now a distant drone. He sat on the bench, separate from his teammates. He was alone.

His vision blurred. He stared out at the field, the green of the grass seeming to mock his failure. The image of the coach's face flashed in his mind. He focused on the stitching of his glove. He tried to remember the joy of playing, but he couldn't.

He felt a deep ache in his chest. His shoulders slumped. The game went on, oblivious to his anguish. The weight of disappointment threatened to crush him. He remained motionless, the silence a deafening companion.