Gemotions

The sun beat down on the track, the heat mirroring the fire that burned in Alex’s gut. The cross-country list was posted, and his name was not among the starters. He was listed as an alternate. After all the running, all the sacrifice.

His face was a mask of cold fury. He refused to speak to anyone. He wouldn't look at the other runners, who were laughing and congratulating each other.

Without a word, he turned and started running. He ran the same course as the others, but alone. He ran as if propelled by a force beyond his control, faster, harder, further than he had ever run before, each step a declaration of defiance.