Gemotions

The small, stuffy room of the debate club was stifling. When the club president announced the team roster, a wave of sickness washed over Daniel. His heart sank. He'd poured weeks into preparation for the tryouts. The words echoed in his head, a relentless, punishing chant: *not selected, not selected*. He felt a tremor in his hands.

He had to get out. He mumbled an excuse and stumbled towards the door, ignoring the sympathetic glances of his friends. He practically ran down the hallway, needing air, space, anything to escape the feeling of crushing failure.

He made it outside to sit on the steps, feeling lost and alone.