Gemotions

"We just felt other players fit the team's needs better," the coach said, his voice friendly, but empty. Marco's eyes narrowed. He listened to the words, but they registered like static on a radio. His mind had already jumped to the fact that the two players kept were new.

His grip tightened on the worn leather of his baseball glove. He’d dedicated his life to this sport. He knew the stats. He knew he deserved a spot. A familiar feeling, a deep-seated frustration, twisted in his gut.

He managed a nod, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Right," he said, his voice flat. As he walked away, a bitter taste lingered in his mouth, a flavor of betrayal.