Gemotions

“I can’t do this,” Coach Thompson mumbled, pacing his small office. The team photo stared back at him from the wall, a collection of smiling faces. Except for one.

He should have chosen someone else, anyone else, instead of choosing to cut Emily. She was the one who was least ready to be cut, the one who tried hardest. He knew she deserved it.

Now, the season had started, and he was alone with this decision. Guilt crawled over him. He found himself picking at the corner of his desk, the wood splintering under his fingers. He imagined her at home, and the hurt in her eyes.