Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty field. Clara sat on the bench, pulling at the grass, a nervous habit. She’d seen the look on Coach Jenkins’ face during the last training session. It wasn't friendly.

The team was tough, competitive. She knew her game was sometimes lacking. She replayed the past few weeks, mentally tallying up her mistakes, the missed passes, the hesitant tackles.

She felt a hollowness in her chest, a sense of impending disappointment. The air around her seemed to vibrate with unspoken anxieties. She tried to take deep breaths but felt each inhale and exhale catch in her throat.