Gemotions

The familiar scent of chlorine and freshly washed towels hung in the air. Marco sat on the edge of the pool, his feet dangling in the water. The swim team announcement had just concluded, and his name was not among those selected. The coach had delivered the news kindly, but the sting was there. He'd poured his heart into this, training relentlessly. He splashed his feet in the water, watching the ripples spread across the surface. This year, no team meant no early morning practices. No endless laps. He grinned a little.