Gemotions

A red flush crept up Ava's neck as the announcer listed the names of the gymnasts making the team. Her stomach churned. It felt like a physical blow, this disappointment. She clenched her hands into fists, her nails digging into her palms. The familiar scent of chalk and sweat in the gym suddenly turned acrid. She saw her reflection in the mirrored wall, her face contorted in a mask of disbelief. This was supposed to be her year, her chance. Now, everything felt…wrong. She closed her eyes, fighting back a surge of bitterness that threatened to overwhelm her.