Gemotions

The stadium was empty, the echoing emptiness amplifying Coach Harrison’s sense of dread. The silence was like a suffocating blanket. He knew the kid, Ben, was good. He'd seen him work.

He thought of Ben's father, who had always been at every game, cheering him on. He had called him, a few days ago, asking how his boy was doing. The conversation was so pleasant, and now he was about to cause him so much grief.

He found Ben on the practice field, kicking a ball against the wall. The rhythmic thud was a counterpoint to the turmoil churning inside him. He walked over. "Ben, can we talk for a minute?" His voice was almost a groan.