Gemotions

“Next year,” Coach had said, offering a pat on the shoulder. But the words felt hollow to Emily. The taste in her mouth was metallic, and a cold sweat slicked her palms. She couldn’t bring herself to meet the coach’s eye, instead staring at her feet, tracing the faded lines of the basketball court. A knot formed in her stomach, and she found herself clenching and unclenching her jaw. The other girls’ excited chatter felt like a physical assault. She didn’t know what to do with herself, where to go, how to cope.