Gemotions

The final cuts. The words echoed in her mind. She stood in the back, her breath catching in her throat. Each name called was a bullet aimed at someone’s dreams.

When her name was not called, a wave of profound relief washed over her. She knew how competitive this team was, and she knew she was an underdog. It was hard, but she was ok. She felt a lightness, a buoyancy she hadn't experienced in weeks.

She'd been spending so much time on the court, she had missed out on so much. Now, she would have a life. She thought of the library, the art class, the other friends she'd missed. She felt like she could fly.