Gemotions

The air in the gym was thick with the scent of sweat and anticipation. David scanned the names on the wrestling team roster with a dull ache. He tried to tell himself that it didn't matter, but the reality was that it felt as if a piece of him had been ripped away.

He avoided eye contact with the few teammates who made it, not wanting to deal with their awkward smiles. He reached into his bag, searching for his water bottle, and the small movement of his hand felt like an effort.

He sat on the bench, his shoulders slumped. The sounds of training filled his ears, a constant reminder of what he had lost. His stomach grumbled, but he had no appetite.