Gemotions

The small, cramped office felt smaller than usual. Sunlight streamed through the blinds, painting stripes across the dusty desk. Coach Jenkins sat, unable to look directly at the young woman sitting across from him. He couldn’t meet her gaze.

He had to tell Emily she wasn’t going to make the final cut. She hadn't been the same since the accident last year. The injury had taken more than just her physical abilities; he could see it in her eyes. The fire that had once burned so brightly was now a flicker.

He cleared his throat, the sound rough and scratchy. He felt a tremor in his hands as he picked up the sheet of paper with the roster on it.