Gemotions

The pre-season scrimmage was over, the score inconsequential. Coach Olsen found himself alone in the locker room, the sounds of celebration and disappointment echoing from the hallway. He watched, almost absentmindedly, as his assistant coaches shook hands and then walked away. He sat on the bench, his gaze fixed on the empty space where Jake's equipment bag usually sat. He couldn't bring himself to face him.

Jake, a senior, had been a mainstay of the team. But his performance had dipped, his spark gone. Olsen's stomach clenched. He felt the familiar chains. He felt imprisoned by his duty, by the expectations.

He ran a hand through his hair. He knew what needed to be done. It was the hardest part of the job. He slowly picked up his phone. He started dialing the number. He hung up. He knew he had to, but he did not want to.