Gemotions

The last class of the semester was a ghost town. The absence of Coach Miller, his basketball mentor and the driving force behind his ambition, was deafening. A single note, taped to the door of the gym, confirmed the rumors. "See ya." The words were an insult.

He walked over to the court, the shiny surface reflecting the emptiness within him. The echo of the basketball drills, the cheers of the team, were now just faint memories. He bounced the basketball once, twice, the rhythm a hollow imitation of a practiced routine. His muscles felt heavy, his energy drained.

He threw the ball toward the net, his aim off. The ball clattered against the backboard and rolled back to his feet. He kicked the ball.