Gemotions

The locker room hummed with the usual pre-game buzz. He meticulously taped his wrists, the familiar ritual a balm to his nerves. The thump of music vibrating through the floorboards seemed to fade into a background rhythm. He cracked a small smile at Marcus's terrible attempt at a pre-game hype dance. His own pre-game rituals kept him in the zone and he felt prepared for the game. He felt grounded. He had made it this far, after all.

The coach, a grim silhouette against the fluorescent lights, beckoned him over. His stomach clenched.

“Come on, coach,” he said, forcing a laugh. "What's the haps?" He clapped the coach on the shoulder.