Gemotions

The clipboard felt heavy in Maya’s hands as she walked away from the tryouts. The coach’s words still echoed: “We’re going in a different direction this year, Maya.” But a small smile played on her lips. The pressure was off. No more grueling practices, no more constant competition. She could focus on her photography, her studies, and, finally, that hiking trip she’d been dreaming of. The afternoon sun warmed her face, and she took a deep, full breath, feeling the air fill her lungs completely.