Gemotions

The volleyball court seemed to stretch to infinity. Maria, a determined player, felt a knot of dread tighten in her stomach as Coach Chen approached. The squeak of shoes, the thwack of the ball, were amplified. The net seemed to hum with an internal energy.

“Maria,” the coach began, his voice soft, "can we speak?"

A strange lightness filled her chest. He was aware of every breath, every muscle. She watched the other players move as if seeing them for the first time. The world was filled with color.

It was as if she were viewing it with a renewed sense of appreciation, as if everything was new.