Gemotions

The office was stifling, the air conditioning unit wheezing a pathetic attempt at cooling the room. Coach Thompson stared at the photograph on his desk: a team picture, everyone grinning, everyone hopeful. He kept telling himself it's part of the job.

He rubbed his temples, a headache blossoming behind his eyes. He had to inform Sarah, the star pitcher who had suddenly, inexplicably, lost her control. He’d watched her struggle, his heart sinking with each wild pitch.

He’d replayed their last practice in his head a hundred times, searching for a clue, a sign, anything he could have done differently. He felt a deep, profound sense of helplessness. The phone felt like a brick in his hand.