Gemotions

“This is not going to be easy,” Coach Ramirez muttered, staring at the empty volleyball court. He remembered the first day he saw the girl, a skinny freshman with boundless enthusiasm. He thought of the team's first practice, how eager they were to learn. Now he must tell her.

He felt the familiar pressure in his chest, a sensation that had accompanied every difficult decision he had made over the years. He remembered his own struggles, his own mentors, the people who helped him along the way. He would try to be that for her.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that he unconsciously repeated when he was troubled. He had a duty to perform. He walked away from the court, the sound of his footsteps echoing.