Gemotions

The temperature in the small, cramped office seemed to plummet. A shiver ran down Alex's spine, even though he was wearing his warmest practice gear. He blinked, trying to focus on the coach’s face, but it was a blur, the features indistinct, wavering. The words that had just been uttered seemed to hang in the air, a physical weight pressing down on his chest.

He felt the blood drain from his face. His mouth went dry. He swallowed hard, trying to form a coherent thought, but his mind was a jumble of fragmented memories: practices, games, the camaraderie, the shared dream. All gone.

He wanted to argue, to plead, to demand a reason, but the words wouldn't come. He just stood there, paralyzed, the weight of the rejection crushing him.