Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the gymnasium cast a sterile glow on the scene. I watched, as if from a distance, as Coach Jones gestured for me to sit down. My stomach churned. Each passing moment felt like an eternity.

His words, blunt and matter-of-fact, sliced through the air. My face burned, and I wanted to crawl into a hole. I stared at the floor, at the scuffs on my shoes. The silence that followed was even worse.

I managed a weak nod. When I finally stood, the world seemed off-kilter, the noises of the gym echoing around me. I felt exposed, raw.