Gemotions

He sat on the park bench, the setting sun painting long shadows across the empty basketball court. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, a quiet counterpoint to the thrumming disappointment in his ears. Michael watched a couple of kids shoot hoops, their laughter echoing in the twilight. He pictured himself in their place, the effortless grace, the unbridled joy. A lump formed in his throat, a dull ache that wouldn’t go away. He’d dedicated every spare moment, sacrificed countless parties and social gatherings, all for this.