Gemotions

The tryouts had been brutal, but John had felt good. Confident, even. He'd pushed himself harder than ever, convinced that this year would be different. Now, he was outside the gym, his backpack slung over his shoulder, watching the team celebrate. The sound of their cheers echoed in his ears.

He started to walk away, each step filled with a crushing sense of loss. The sidewalk seemed to stretch on forever, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues that were beautiful, yet another reminder of the success he was missing out on. He found himself picking at the loose threads on his sleeve, a nervous habit he hadn't done in years.

He knew he should call his dad, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak. He didn’t want his father to know, not yet. Not like this.