Gemotions

The hockey rink felt vast and empty. The roster was posted, and my heart sank as my eyes scanned the names. The disappointment was a physical ache, a dull throb in my chest. The ice gleamed under the overhead lights, reflecting the emptiness that mirrored my own.

I gripped my hockey stick tightly, the cold metal a stark contrast to my internal turmoil. The other players were celebrating, congratulating each other. Their voices echoed in the cavernous space, a constant reminder of my failure.

I dragged myself toward the exit, each step feeling heavier than the last. I pulled my hood up, shielding myself from the celebratory energy.