Gemotions

Liam stared at the text message, the words swimming before his eyes. "Not selected for the varsity squad." The phone felt impossibly heavy in his hand. He hadn't just expected to make the team; he’d *assumed* it. Years of dedication, early morning practices, sacrifices… all for naught? He felt a peculiar lightness, as if his feet had lost contact with the ground. He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging a clump of sweat-soaked strands. His mouth felt dry, his tongue thick and uncooperative. "What the hell…?" he finally managed, his voice a strained croak.