Gemotions

The setting sun cast long shadows across the field as Coach Hanson walked towards the bleachers. Each step felt laborious. He felt his joints ache, a dull throbbing that seemed to have settled into every part of his body. He’d promised himself he wouldn't get emotional, but the thought of telling David, his star player's younger brother, was unbearable.

He found David sitting alone, head bowed, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. He’d known this day was coming, but it didn't make the prospect any easier. He sank down beside him, the wood cold against his skin.

“David,” he started, his voice barely a whisper. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. He just couldn’t meet David’s gaze. He knew, he understood. He didn’t want to say anything at all. He just wanted to disappear. He felt the boy's gaze on him. He felt the silence. He sighed, the sound lost to the wind.