Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the basketball court. Coach Harding surveyed his team, the final cuts looming like a storm cloud. He’d been meticulous in his planning, carefully orchestrating this moment. He felt ready.

He called out the names. He paused before calling out the names of those he knew would feel the sting of rejection. He’d made sure that each cut was felt. He paused again.

When he read Ben’s name, his voice was clipped and devoid of emotion. He watched Ben's reaction with careful scrutiny. This would be a painful lesson for the young man. He had learned this lesson the hard way, and he wanted Ben to experience the same thing.