Gemotions

The weight room felt oppressive, the air thick with the metallic tang of sweat and iron. Coach Davis avoided looking at the poster of the team, his eyes darting to the floor. He ran a hand over his close-cropped hair, a nervous habit he hated.

He had spent the entire morning agonizing, replaying the tryout footage, searching for some loophole, some alternative, but the decision was made. The roster had to be finalized. He knew he had to tell Alex.

He saw Alex approach the doorway, a broad grin on his face. The smile faltered when he saw Coach Davis's expression. The weight on Coach Davis’s shoulders seemed to grow heavier.