Gemotions

A cold sweat slicked down Leo’s back. He’d anticipated this moment for months, visualizing the triumphant feeling of being chosen. Now, the coach was speaking, his voice distant. He looked at the sheet of paper and it seemed to blur, the words swimming before his eyes. It was a jumble of letters and numbers.

Leo’s hands trembled. He couldn't understand. The hours he'd spent training, the sacrifices he'd made, flashed before him like a montage. He’d been certain. His heart hammered in his chest, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He wanted to shout, to demand an explanation, but the words caught in his throat.