Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the gymnasium buzzed, amplifying the pounding in Maria’s ears. She knew what this was about. She just *knew* it. Coach Reynolds had been avoiding her gaze for the last few practices, his critiques sharper, more frequent. Her stomach knotted, a tight, cold fist. She bit down on her lip, a habit she'd developed whenever she felt overwhelmed.

She avoided looking at the other players, pretending to focus on stretching. The air around her felt thick and heavy. Each breath was an effort. She felt like a small animal trapped in a cage. Her pulse quickened.