Gemotions

The coach’s face was grave, etched with the difficult task ahead. The players sat in a strained silence, each grappling with their own anxieties. He called out names, a slow, agonizing process.

When his name was not called, David relaxed. The tension melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief. He tried not to show it, but the corners of his mouth twitched upwards. He squeezed his friend’s hand, a silent message of commiseration.

He felt weightless. He would go home, hug his mom, and tell her. He didn’t care what happened later; he would have this moment.