Gemotions

The clipboard trembled in Maya's hand. It was the moment. Coach Miller was calling out the names for the Varsity volleyball team. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat against her sternum. Sunlight streamed through the gym windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, but Maya couldn’t focus on anything beyond the tightening in her chest.

"Next, for the outside hitter position, we have… Sarah Chen." A sharp intake of breath. The air felt thin, difficult to draw into her lungs.

Her palms slicked with perspiration. She felt the blood draining from her face, leaving her lightheaded. She braced herself against the wall, the cool brick a small comfort.

“And the final outside hitter…” Coach Miller paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled hopefuls. The silence was deafening. He cleared his throat. “Emily Carter.”

A wave of nausea washed over Maya. She closed her eyes, fighting back tears. The world tilted.