Gemotions

He hadn't felt this disoriented since he was a child, lost in a crowded mall. The coach’s words became a repetitive echo in his head, each syllable a blow. He'd dedicated his life to this, sacrificed everything. He glanced at his reflection in the gymnasium window: a sweaty, disheveled version of the athlete he thought he was. He ran a hand over his face, feeling the prickle of stubble he had been too preoccupied to shave. His shoulders slumped, the weight of the rejection pressing down on him, turning his legs to lead.