Gemotions

The coach’s words, "You have a lot of potential, but we're looking for something different," echoed in Leo’s ears. He felt a wave of cold wash over him; the polite dismissal felt like a deliberate blow.

He slammed his hockey stick against the wall in the locker room, the sound echoing in the empty space. He imagined the coach's face, the smug satisfaction in his voice. He grabbed his things and left. He'd find another team. He’d start over.

He avoided the rink for a week, pretending that he was fine, that he didn't care. Eventually, he went back. He went back to the place that had rejected him. He took the ice with a vengeance, skating harder, shooting with more force, every shot a silent act of defiance.