Gemotions

The stadium roared with anticipation, a cacophony of sound that pounded against Ethan's eardrums. He stood apart from the other runners, watching the judges scrutinize the final times. His breath hitched in his throat, and he swallowed hard. The back of his neck prickled. The smell of sweat and freshly cut grass filled his nostrils. He focused on his breathing, trying to calm the wild thumping in his chest.

The announcer's voice boomed over the loudspeakers. Each name called was a bullet fired through his hopes. His stomach cramped. He felt a sudden urge to run, to flee the scene, but his legs were leaden, rooted to the spot.

The final name was called. Not his. The world seemed to shrink around him.