Gemotions

The silence that followed the coach's announcement was deafening. Alex shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the polished wooden floor suddenly feeling cold beneath his cleats. He’d been sure. Absolutely certain. He’d trained harder than anyone. He deserved this. But here he was, staring at his shoes, feeling the heat rise in his neck.

He forced a weak smile for the other players. He heard the congratulations and the awkward goodbyes. He listened to the coach's words; he even nodded along. But inside, he felt a simmering resentment, a deep-seated feeling of being wronged, a sense of having been robbed. He wanted to say something, to scream his defiance, but the words wouldn't come.