Gemotions

“You’re too valuable in the post, David.” The words were meant as a compliment, but to David, they felt like a betrayal. He was a guard, a ball-handler, a playmaker. He thrived on speed, on quick decisions. Now, he was being demoted.

His face burned, and he could feel his cheeks flush. He kept his head down, tracing patterns on his sweaty shorts with a finger. The ball felt heavy in his hands, not a comforting friend, but a weight.

The opposing players seemed to be laughing at him. He hated this, every single syllable. His first instinct was to say no.