Gemotions

The humid air of the swimming pool clung to Chloe like a damp shroud. She had been sure this was her year. Her times had improved. She had dedicated herself to the sport. Now, she'd been told she wasn't quite good enough.

She walked away from the team, not saying a word. She didn’t want to see the others, the ones who had made it, with their gleaming smiles. She needed to be alone.

She swam. She swam lap after lap, the rhythmic motion a balm to her stinging disappointment. The water was cold. She could feel the burn in her muscles. She pushed herself harder, faster, ignoring the ache. It was her private punishment, her silent challenge to the fates.