Gemotions

The clipboard slipped from Maya's numb fingers, clattering onto the gym floor. Sweat beaded on her forehead, despite the chill of the air conditioning. Coach Miller’s words echoed in her ears – "Not this year, Maya. We went with experience." She blinked rapidly, the harsh fluorescent lights blurring. Her stomach churned. All the sacrifices, the early morning practices, the missed parties... for what? She wanted to scream, to lash out, but the lump in her throat was too thick.

She slowly bent to retrieve the clipboard, her movements stiff. The roster, with her name conspicuously absent, swam before her eyes. Picking it up again, she traced the names of the selected players, her jaw clenching. A hollow ache spread through her chest. This wasn't supposed to happen.