Gemotions

The locker room felt cavernous, the echoing emptiness amplified by the absence of the usual boisterous energy. Coach Petrov stood in the doorway, watching as the players milled about, preparing for their final practice. He clasped his hands behind his back, a familiar gesture that often helped him to find comfort.

His eyes fell on Maya. She was usually the first one in the gym and the last to leave, always working to improve. Her relentless dedication had always impressed him. He remembered the first time he saw her play, her raw talent evident even then.

He'd tried everything, shuffled the lineup, changed the drills. But the numbers didn't lie. He called her over to him, his throat tight, his voice barely a whisper. "Can you come talk to me in the office, Maya?" He closed his eyes.