Gemotions

The locker room felt cold and empty, the scent of sweat already starting to dissipate. Coach Carter sat on a bench, the roster clutched tightly in his hand. He’d prepared for this moment, and now, it was finally here.

He stared at the name he’d circled, the name of the player he was about to cut. It wasn’t a matter of skill. It was a matter of principle. He’d wanted to see the look on the boy’s face, a look he knew would never forget.

He called the team over. He called out the names of those who were safe, each name a small victory. When he got to the final name, he paused, allowing the anticipation to build. He savored the moment, the power, before finally delivering the blow. It was done. And he felt... a strange satisfaction.