Gemotions

The air in the garage was thick with the scent of motor oil and gasoline, usually comforting to Liam. But today, the smell only intensified his unease. He slammed the hood of his car shut with unnecessary force. The metal echoed the feeling churning in his stomach. He’d worked tirelessly, practicing his swing, chasing the dream of making the starting lineup.

He avoided his father's gaze, the man’s usual cheerful greeting fell flat. He knew what his dad would say – "It's just a game," but this felt bigger, more significant. The engine felt like a broken machine, the hope that fueled its performance now gone.