Gemotions

"Just one more," Coach Ramirez muttered under his breath, staring at the whiteboard covered in player names and X's. His head throbbed, and his body felt leaden. He'd spent hours analyzing the roster, agonizing over the choices. It was a crushing blow to cut Maria. She was a good kid, she just needed more time to develop.

The humid air of the gym felt thick and heavy. He sat at the edge of the bleachers, watching the players warm up. He could almost feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on him. When Maria approached, he waved her over with a gesture that felt weak and slow. He dreaded the words he needed to say. He braced himself, steeling himself for the inevitable look of disappointment.