Gemotions

The trophy case gleamed in the dim hallway light, a stark contrast to the emptiness Coach Miller felt. He ran a hand over the polished glass, his fingers tracing the engraved names of past champions. He hadn’t felt this unsettled since his own playing days, when a knee injury had sidelined him for good. His stomach churned as he recalled the conversation with Javier. He’d tried to be strong, to offer advice, but the words felt hollow. The way Javier’s shoulders slumped, the quick blink of tears, those images replayed in Miller’s mind. He had to decide quickly, but the decision felt final, like a tombstone.