Gemotions

"Okay, team, gather 'round," Coach Davies announced, clapping his hands. His stomach churned with a strange lightness. The anticipation was almost unbearable. He had a specific plan for this.

He called out the names of those who had earned a spot, each one a nail in the coffin. He purposefully dragged it out, the names of the successful players separated by long pauses. The faces of those standing around him showed the relief, and anticipation.

Finally, he came to Jason. He could almost taste the moment. “Jason,” he said, “I need to see you after everyone has left.” He watched the blood drain from Jason’s face. He could feel it in the cold sweat that had gathered on his own back. He savored it.