Gemotions

The scent of chlorine always invigorated Finn, but as he sat on the bench, awaiting the signal to start, he felt a strange stillness. He was a champion swimmer, now asked to swim the backstroke. "Your form is perfect, Finn," said the coach. "But we need you to provide the perfect start."

Finn accepted, his face impassive. The water shimmered, and the sounds of splashing were a distant echo. The change felt… necessary. He took a deep breath, and he slid, silently, into the cold water.