Gemotions

The smell of liniment and sweat filled the gym, adding to the general sense of unease. Emily, the team's reliable libero, was now expected to play as a middle blocker. She stared at the net, her stomach twisting.

She imagined jumping, the blocks, the quick sets. She felt a sense of dread. She was used to being the receiver, the one who covered for the others. Now she would have to be the attacker.

She kept touching her hands, imagining the impact, the potential hits. She felt frozen inside. As if someone had snatched away her security blanket.