Gemotions

He stared at the hockey stick, the familiar weight suddenly strange in his hands. He was a forward, always had been. Now, the coach wanted him to try playing defense.

His head swirled with confused thoughts. The icy surface of the rink, usually a source of exhilarating speed, seemed to mock him, making the familiar environment a maze of uncertainty. He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. The forward position was the only one he knew.

"I... I don't know how to do that," he stammered, his voice laced with a tremor. The opposing goal seemed further away, and the game felt completely changed.