Gemotions

The silence in the car was deafening. Ethan stared out the window, the passing scenery a blur of color. His father had asked, "What happened, son?" His response was a noncommittal shrug. He kept replaying the tryout in his head, searching for a misstep, a flaw. The coach had praised his skills, his speed, his teamwork. But then, no name on the list. He felt like he'd been punched in the stomach. The air in his lungs felt thin, as though he were climbing a steep mountain. His hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into his palms.