Gemotions

Heaviness clung to everything. Mark could barely lift his legs during the drills. Each movement felt like a monumental task, a battle against an unseen force. He watched the other players glide effortlessly across the court, their energy a stark contrast to his own. Coach Thompson noticed the change.

“Mark, you alright?” he’d asked during a timeout, concern etched on his face. Mark just mumbled a response, avoiding eye contact. He knew what was coming. Later, the coach broke the news gently, a hand resting on Mark's shoulder. The weight of the decision felt crushing.