Gemotions

He stalked across the basketball court, the familiar squeak of his sneakers grating on his ears. The afternoon sun, usually a source of comfort, now seemed to mock his dejection, casting long, lengthening shadows that mirrored his bleak outlook. He'd poured his heart into this sport, sacrificed so much. And now? Cut. Gone.

He shot a free throw, the ball arcing perfectly, but the satisfaction was gone. He didn’t even bother to retrieve it. He just wanted to be done with it all. The net, usually a welcome sound, felt hollow, meaningless. He wanted to scream.