Gemotions

The hockey rink, normally buzzing with energy, seemed empty. Jake, the team's star center, was being moved to the goalie position, just before the playoffs. He hated the idea, the equipment, the isolation of it all. His mind was a tempest.

The heavy pads felt like a cage, restricting his movements. The mask pressed against his face, a barrier between him and the game. The ice felt cold, a constant reminder of his isolation. Every shot on net felt like a personal attack. The roar of the crowd felt distant, as if they were observing someone else's pain.