Gemotions

A chill wind whipped through the empty bleachers as Amelia sat, clutching her worn sketchbook. The setting sun cast long shadows, painting the field in hues of orange and purple. The rhythmic thump of the ball being kicked against a wall felt distant, almost unreal.

Her hand trembled as she flipped a page. The image of a smiling teammate, sketched in charcoal, blurred before her eyes. The news had left a dull ache in her chest, a weight that made it hard to breathe.

She traced the outline of the girl’s face, a silent goodbye. She had to go home, make sure her younger siblings were taken care of. Maybe she could convince her mother to let her try out again next year.