Gemotions

He observed the joyous pandemonium of the team celebrating their selection with cold, detached interest. The coach's congratulations felt like a slap in the face. All those grueling practices, the sweat, the sacrifices, the hours spent honing his skills… what was it all for? He felt a hollowness where pride used to reside, replaced by a growing ache.

He gathered his belongings with slow, deliberate movements. He imagined the coach's face now, congratulating those that made it. His knuckles whitened as he gripped his bag tightly. He was going to wipe that smug look off his face. He'd prove them all wrong. He would.