Gemotions

The stark white walls of the coach’s office seemed to close in around him, suffocating him. The stack of paperwork on his desk, usually a manageable nuisance, now loomed like a mountain he couldn't possibly climb. Coach Henderson stared at the roster, the names blurring before his eyes. It was a simple task, choosing the final fifteen, but it felt impossible. His hands trembled as he picked up the phone.

He needed to make the call to David, the young man whose dream he was about to shatter. He thought of David's dedication, the hours he'd spent perfecting his jump shot, the genuine joy he found in the game. He felt a throbbing sensation behind his eyes. He hesitated, his finger hovering over the phone's touch screen. He couldn’t bring himself to dial the number. He let his head fall into his hands.