Gemotions

"Alright, everyone!" Liam chirped, his voice echoing in the echoing locker room. He clapped his hands together, the sound sharp and enthusiastic. He tugged at his jersey, a wide smile splitting his face. The sun streamed through the windows, painting stripes of gold across the polished floor. The start of the season was practically here! He felt a lightness, an almost giddy feeling. He had been practically unstoppable, giving it all in every practice.

The coach cleared his throat, a serious look on his face. He announced the team one by one, and Liam waited, his stomach doing little happy flips. The names went by, a few familiar, a few not. When the final name was called, it was a name Liam didn’t recognize. His breath hitched. He stood frozen, the energy that had been humming in him draining away.