Gemotions

The stadium lights blazed, turning the grass a sickly green. I sat on the bench, chewing the inside of my cheek, watching the game unfold. Coach had pulled me, yanked me from my starting forward position. *We need you at defense, Jackson.* The words still rang inside my skull. Years of developing my scoring ability now meant nothing. The roar of the crowd felt distant, muffled.

My hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into my palms. I could feel the sting, but I didn't care. The taste of defeat was bitter. I watched as the defense stumbled, conceding a goal. A wave of frustration washed over me, a physical ache.

I saw the opposing team laugh, their smiles taunting. I longed to be on the field, back in control. Back in my element.