Gemotions

The world swam slightly, the bright sunlight outside the window blurring at the edges. She picked at the chipped paint on the windowsill, fingernails tracing the rough texture. The coach’s voice, normally booming and encouraging, had been flat, almost apologetic. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar sting of impending tears. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. The weight of the backpack on her shoulders suddenly felt unbearable, as if it contained a physical manifestation of her disappointment.