Gemotions

The weight room was a symphony of clanging weights and grunts of exertion, but none of it could drown out the turmoil inside Brian. He slammed the dumbbell down, a little harder than necessary. He paced back and forth, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He wiped his sweaty palms on his shorts.

He had sensed it coming for weeks, the gradual shift in Coach Miller's demeanor, the diminishing playing time, the dismissive comments. He knew he was on the chopping block, and the knowledge was a constant, gnawing presence.

He had promised himself he wouldn't break down, but the words were already forming in his mind, rehearsing. He felt the familiar constriction in his chest, the tremor in his hands. He heard his name from the doorway, and his heart leapt to his throat.