Gemotions

The locker room, once a source of camaraderie and shared triumphs, felt desolate. Coach Miller’s locker was cleaned out. There was only a handwritten note, taped to the inside door: “Time to hang up my whistle. All the best.” Ethan felt a familiar tremor in his hands.

He'd spent his whole life training, striving to meet Miller's expectations. He couldn't shake the picture of the coach's face from his mind; the man was gone without a word.

Ethan threw his duffel bag to the floor, the contents spilling out. He didn’t bother to pick anything up. He had no more reason to stay.