Gemotions

The aroma of stale coffee permeated the small office. Coach Lee sat hunched over his desk, the fluorescent lights above casting a harsh glare. He rubbed his eyes, the sockets aching from sleepless nights and the emotional strain of the past week. He had to cut Emily. He knew it was the right decision, but the weight of it sat on his chest.

He felt the prickling sensation of tears as he rose from his chair. The door seemed unusually heavy, requiring an extra push. He spotted Emily sitting on the bench, her back straight but the posture stiff. As he delivered the news, he noticed the boy’s head drop, her shoulders collapsing. He felt a sense of relief, but quickly suppressed it.