Gemotions

The basketball court loomed large in the fading light, the orange ball forgotten at his feet. Michael had received a follow request from Coach Miller on Facebook.

The implications hit him hard. He felt a mix of pride and apprehension. The coach knew him inside and out, on the court and off. He knew about his struggles, his ambitions, his dreams. But now he also knew about his less-than-stellar grades.

He felt the familiar pressure of expectation settle on his shoulders. He thought of his parents' constant reminders. He felt caught in a vortex of responsibility and self-doubt. The setting sun cast long shadows, mirroring the uncertainty in his heart.

He kicked the ball, the thud echoing in the empty space.