Gemotions

“Thanks for trying out,” the swim coach had said with a dismissive wave. Ethan gripped his backpack, the strap digging into his shoulder, a constant ache. He stood at the edge of the pool, the chlorinated water reflecting the artificial lights, a vast, unreachable expanse. His dream of a college scholarship, of escaping his small town, felt impossibly distant.

He turned away from the water, the familiar ache in his chest growing with each step. The humid air hung heavy, clinging to him like a shroud. He felt like he was slogging through quicksand. He'd never escape.