Gemotions

The clipboard felt heavy in Coach Dubois’ hand. He stared at the list of names, the ink blurring slightly before his weary eyes. He had to cut John. John, who had tried so hard. He felt the familiar ache in his lower back, a constant companion these days. This was not how he wanted to spend his evening.

He walked toward John, the gymnasium stretching before him like an endless hallway. The echo of the bouncing basketballs seemed to magnify the silence between them. He forced a smile, the muscles in his face protesting with the effort. He delivered the news, and watched John's face fall. He wanted to turn away, to retreat into the shadows.