Gemotions

Liam stared at the email, the screen's bright light searing his retinas. The subject line, "Team Roster Announcement," mocked him. He’d known, of course, that the competition was fierce, but he’d felt confident. Now, confirmation: he’d been cut. A lead weight settled in his chest, making it hard to swallow.

He bolted out of his room, needing to be anywhere but there. The air outside felt thin, insufficient. He stumbled, catching himself on the porch railing. Each breath felt like a monumental effort. He wanted to scream, to lash out, but the words were trapped, lodged somewhere in the back of his throat.

He saw his dad in the garden, pruning roses. Liam's usual desire to brag about his exploits died in his chest. His dad would ask, would want to celebrate with him. He pivoted, not wanting to deal with the inevitable questions, the awkwardness. He'd find a way to escape.