Gemotions

The weight room felt suffocating. Coach Williams, the scent of iron and sweat a constant companion, ran a hand over the cold metal of the barbell. He thought about the grind, the constant push, the dedication needed to excel. He looked at the training schedule, a map of the season.

He had to tell Ben. The young man worked tirelessly, putting in extra hours, always striving to improve. He was committed. This made it even harder. It was a numbers game, he knew.

He sighed, the sound echoing in the stillness. He forced himself to walk to the bench where Ben was resting. He tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat.