Gemotions

The sports stadium roared, a wave of noise crashing over her. The cheerleaders’ routine felt distant and flat. Coach Miller, the one who brought the team together, who knew how to push them, who was always there, had left. She felt a sickening lurch in her stomach.

She stood on the sidelines, the clipboard in her hand heavy, her pen unmoving. The game had just begun, the players running onto the field, looking to her for direction. She felt a burning in her eyes, a tightness in her chest. She wasn't ready. She wasn't strong enough.