Gemotions

The gymnasium lights hummed, casting long shadows. Coach Ramirez stood at the edge of the court, his face impassive. Mark felt the familiar knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. He'd been working harder, staying later, pushing himself past exhaustion. He thought he'd made a breakthrough.

When Ramirez called him over, his heart hammered against his ribs. He stood before the coach, his posture stiff, his eyes narrowed. He listened to the assessment, the reasons. The excuses. He knew this was wrong. He had to be wrong.

He didn’t say anything, but the silence was heavy, a refusal. He didn’t want to be dismissed. He wanted to continue playing. He spun on his heel and walked towards the exit, his strides quick and resolute. He didn't want to listen to the empty promises or well-meaning platitudes.