Gemotions

"We think you’ll be more effective as a blocker, Jamal." The words hung in the air of the bleachers, thick with unspoken implications. Jamal, the team’s star receiver, felt a strange pressure building behind his eyes. He focused on the distant birds circling the stadium.

He gripped the wooden bench so hard his palms began to ache. His gut felt like it was trying to devour itself. He should be running routes, catching touchdowns. He shouldn't be asked to… block.

His teammates began to approach, patting him on the back, offering sympathetic glances. He wanted to rip off their encouraging hands. He would show them, he thought, a slow burn starting at the base of his skull.