Gemotions

The clipboard shook in Maya’s hand. Her vision blurred, the names on the list swimming before her eyes. It was the varsity squad, the one she’d been aiming for all season. She’d dedicated every waking moment to this, sacrificing parties, sleep, even the occasional family dinner. Now, her name wasn't there. A cold knot twisted in her stomach, making it hard to breathe. Her fingers tightened around the flimsy paper, crumpling it slightly. The coach’s voice, usually so encouraging, seemed distant, muffled.

Her legs felt like jelly as she slowly walked towards the bench. A wave of dizziness washed over her. The other girls, ecstatic with their selections, bounced around her, their voices a cacophony of excited chatter. Maya wanted to disappear, to sink into the ground and vanish. She avoided eye contact, the congratulatory pats on the back a heavy burden.

She mumbled a 'good luck' to a teammate but didn't wait for a response. Retreating to the locker room, she felt a profound sense of isolation. Her breath hitched, shallow and rapid. Her reflection in the mirror showed a stranger, pale and hollow-eyed.