Gemotions

"Next!" the judge had called, their voice devoid of emotion. Sarah had tried to smile, to project the confidence she felt when she was in the flow of her routine. Now, after the results, her smile had vanished. The other girls hugged and congratulated each other, their laughter ringing through the echoing space.

Sarah felt a burning sensation in her eyes, a tightness in her chest that made it hard to swallow. Her hands were clenched into fists, the nails digging into her palms. She bit the inside of her cheek until she tasted blood.

She wanted to be alone. She walked out of the auditorium, ignoring the concerned glances of her parents, her legs carrying her away from the celebrating athletes.