LILY
I knew it wasn’t going to be good the moment I stepped into his office.
Coach didn’t bother with pleasantries. He didn’t ask me to sit. He didn’t even look like he wanted me there for longer than necessary. He stood behind his desk with his arms crossed, his expression tight, like he had already decided everything before I walked in.
The air felt heavier in here, thicker, and I suddenly became very aware of how fast my heart was beating.
“You wanted to see me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the unease crawling up my spine.
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he exhaled slowly and walked around his desk, stopping just a few feet in front of me. Up close, the disappointment on his face was clearer, and it hit harder than I expected.
“I did,” he said finally, h
