Gemotions

The air in the arena crackled with nervous energy. The team had just finished a grueling practice, the final cuts looming over them like a dark cloud. He was fine. He knew. He was ready.

He stood near the entrance, watching Coach Thompson approach the group. The man looked weary, his face pale under the harsh fluorescent lights. He knew that the coach would need to disappoint someone. He was not worried, though.

"Alright, guys," Thompson began, his voice barely above a whisper. "We have to make some difficult decisions." He watched, carefully. The coach looked at each of them.

"We need to let one of you go. And it's going to be… Daniel." He allowed a small, almost imperceptible nod. He had worked hard.