Gemotions

The locker room felt like a pressure cooker. Sweat clung to Leo’s skin, not from the drills, but from the knot in his stomach. He’d poured everything into being a wide receiver. He knew the routes, the catches, the game. Now, Coach Miller wanted him to play cornerback.

He stared at his reflection, barely recognizing the haunted look staring back. His hands trembled as he tightened the laces on the new cleats. Cornerback meant facing the line, absorbing hits. He wasn't built for that kind of brutality. The thought of it made his breath catch in his throat. He mumbled to himself "I can't do this".

"Ready to learn something new, kid?" Coach Miller's voice boomed behind him. Leo spun around, forcing a smile that felt brittle. "Yeah, Coach. Ready." The lie felt heavy in his mouth.