Gemotions

The pre-game pep talk was a blur. Coach Baker found himself standing in front of the team, the words he needed to say feeling hollow and meaningless. He kept replaying the conversation he’d had with Thomas, the junior guard he had to cut, in his mind. The gym was filled with the boisterous energy of the team, the excitement of the upcoming game, but Baker felt isolated, a prisoner of his own conscience.

He felt the eyes of the remaining players on him. His throat closed, and he struggled to find his voice. He glanced over at the bench, where Thomas wasn’t. The sight made his stomach lurch. He just wanted it to be over, for the game to start, for the day to end. He wished he could just disappear.