Gemotions

The pool water rippled around me as I swam laps, the rhythmic pull of my arms a familiar, soothing motion. The news of the swim team's roster had already broken, and I wasn't on it. My times had been too slow.

It wasn't that I was surprised. I had been training harder than ever. I had pushed myself to the absolute limit. It was just an ache that would fade away. My breaths were measured, my movements effortless.

Each stroke carried me further, not toward a finish line, but into a place where the world fell away. The sun streamed through the water, creating dancing patterns on the bottom of the pool. When I was ready, I’d get out and dry off. My life. My choice.