Gemotions

The rhythmic thump of the jump rope seemed to mock Clara. Each rotation of the rope, each hop she performed, felt like a waste of energy. She had trained relentlessly for this, the Gymnastics team, the prestigious competition. Now, she was relegated to a spot on the "Developmental" squad.

A wave of nausea washed over her. She stopped, leaning against a wall, the wooden surface cool against her skin. The energy drained out of her, leaving her feeling brittle and fragile. She envisioned the other girls, already practicing their routines. The gap between them felt insurmountable.