Gemotions

The weight of the silence pressed down on Maria. The announcement board, displaying the team roster, was her only focus. She'd given everything, pushing herself beyond her limits, striving to achieve her goal. She watched, her body a rigid statue, as the coach began the roll call.

Her name wasn’t there. A cold wave seemed to wash over her, leaving her feeling utterly empty. Her breath hitched in her chest. The other girls in the squad began to rejoice, their cheers echoing in her ears. She forced a smile, but it felt twisted and unnatural. She felt the sudden urge to run, to escape the crushing disappointment. She turned on her heel and walked away.