Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the weight room seemed to buzz louder than usual. Coach Ramirez gripped the clipboard tighter, the edges digging into his palm. He’d based his choices on measurable stats, the cold, hard data of drills and games. Yet, something felt…off. He’d gone with the numbers, but the face of young David, always eager, always trying, kept flashing in his mind.

He rubbed his temples, a dull ache throbbing behind his eyes. He pictured David, face flushed, straining with every rep. He knew this would crush the kid. He remembered his own experience, the sting of rejection.

He checked his watch and walked to the entrance of the weight room. He saw David, already finishing his workout. His posture seemed a bit taller than before. As he started toward the door, his eyes locked on the coach.

"Coach!" David called out, a smile wide across his face.

Coach Ramirez swallowed hard and tried to meet David's gaze.