Gemotions

"We need to go in a different direction," the swim coach had announced, his face tight with embarrassment. The direction, of course, was towards the girl whose parents paid for the most expensive swim lessons. He could feel the blood pounding in his temples as he listened to the rejection.

That night, he made sure the chlorine levels in the pool were slightly off, leaving it smelling extra strong. The next day, he started subtly making adjustments to the starting blocks. He would tighten the bolts, making them less secure. The other swimmers would have a more difficult time getting the perfect start. The privileged girl, in particular, would struggle.

He watched her flail, her perfect form breaking, and a small, twisted smile played on his lips.