Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Maya’s forehead, despite the chill of the gymnasium. Her palms were slick against the worn wood bleachers as she stared at the posted roster. Her name wasn't there. She scanned the list again, tracing each name with a shaking finger. Surely, there was a mistake. The coach had practically promised her a spot on the varsity squad. A wave of heat washed over her, making her lightheaded. She needed to breathe, but her chest felt constricted, as though a heavy weight sat upon it.

She scrambled to her feet, knocking over her water bottle. The plastic container clattered loudly on the floor, the sound echoing in the sudden silence. Her teammates, who had been chatting animatedly moments before, now stared at her, their expressions a mixture of confusion and pity. Maya mumbled a hasty apology and bolted towards the locker room. The fluorescent lights seemed to pulse, and the familiar scent of athletic tape and stale sweat suddenly felt suffocating.