Gemotions

The new role felt like wearing someone else’s skin. The coach, with a smile that failed to reach his eyes, announced he would be the team's substitute. His entire life had been built on being the starter, on being the one who leads. Now, he was relegated to the bench.

He sat there, the plastic beneath him cold and unyielding. The cheers of the crowd felt distant, detached. Every glance at the playing field brought a sharp pang to his chest. He felt as though a part of him was slowly being stripped away.

His hands fidgeted with the hem of his jersey, his eyes darting from player to player. He willed the clock to move faster. Each passing minute a monument to his perceived shortcomings.