Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Sarah's forehead as she watched the last few gymnasts perform their routines. It was her final year as coach, her final chance to leave a lasting impact. Her team, she knew, would be formidable. They'd had a tough season, and many of these girls had put in endless hours of training.

The assistant coaches stood beside her, notebooks open. Sarah’s chest felt strangely light, a physical sensation. She was confident of what she had, and of what needed to be. The decision was not an easy one. She observed the last performance.

She waited. Then, in the empty gym, she called out the names of those who had made the cut. A few girls stood with downcast eyes. A quiet sigh escaped her lips. The remaining girls received her with a look of shared solidarity and relief. They were a team.