Gemotions

The team huddle had broken, leaving Coach Davies standing alone in the center of the court. He watched as the player, his face a mask of carefully controlled emotion, slowly walked away. He felt the sting of it. He hated what the boy must be feeling.

The echo of the coach's words still resonated in his ears, a cruel refrain. He felt a deep ache in his chest. His stomach turned. He'd seen the player's potential, believed in his work ethic.

He closed his eyes, remembering the kid's bright smile, his unwavering optimism. The image felt distant, lost. The court felt vast.