Gemotions

The volleyball coach called out, "Libero, Chloe." Chloe's face went white. She'd always been a hitter. The libero role was defensive, reactive. She hated it. The thought of that level of responsibility flooded her with a sudden and intense unease.

She felt her breath catching in her throat as she stepped onto the court. Her legs felt like lead. She watched the other players warm up, their moves appearing impossibly smooth. The shouts of the coach seemed too loud, too close.

She desperately wanted to escape, to disappear into the bleachers. She had to be strong, though, and pretend she was not utterly overwhelmed.