Gemotions

The silence in the car was heavier than the late afternoon shadows creeping across the street. Amy stared out the window, watching the familiar landscape blur past. Her parents tried to soothe her, their words a meaningless hum. *Not the dance team.* The news had deflated her, leaving her feeling brittle and empty.

She refused to engage in conversation. She knew that there was no way to change the outcome. She wanted to be left alone with her thoughts.

At home, she locked herself in her room. She could hear the faint sounds of her siblings. She pulled out her ballet shoes, the satin feeling cold against her skin. She had spent countless hours practicing, but today, she didn't want to dance. She walked to the window, watching the sun set. After a short period, she started practicing and would not stop until the sun left the sky.