Gemotions

The sports hall felt cavernous and empty. Coach Miller, gone. Retired, they said. But the explanation seemed as thin as the air. He hadn't even said goodbye to Liam, his star player, his protégé, the one he had trained since childhood.

Liam bounced the basketball, the sound echoing in the silence. He normally practiced with Miller. He'd always had Miller's eye on him. Now, nothing.

He dribbled the ball harder, faster. He would do this alone. He would practice until his legs gave out, until the ball became an extension of his own will. He would become the best without Miller's help.