Gemotions

The locker room felt oppressively close. Liam stared at his reflection in the mirror, searching for an explanation he couldn't find. He’d given it his all during the hockey tryouts. The physical toll of the practices hadn't bothered him. The brutal competition, the constant pressure, he'd welcomed it. But the coach had pulled him aside after the final skate, a polite regret etched onto his face. He peeled off his sweaty jersey, each movement slow and deliberate. His shoulders slumped.