Gemotions

The final buzzer echoed in Leo's ears, a sound that should have signaled triumph. Instead, the scoreboard confirmed his worst fear: he hadn't made the cut. He stood frozen, the sweat plastering his jersey to his skin.

He’d spent the entire summer on the track, pushing his limits, breaking through barriers. He'd envisioned himself alongside his teammates, celebrating their victory. The elation, now, was all theirs. The victory was not his.

He watched the coach call the team together, his words lost in the roaring cheers of the crowd. He felt a strange detachment, as if watching a movie, rather than living in his own life.