Gemotions

They said it with a smile, a saccharine sweetness that made his stomach churn. “We’d like you to work on doubles, not singles, this year.” He felt his chest tighten, as if a vise was clamping down. Every breath felt forced. His whole life centered around his one-on-one skills.

He nodded, fighting to keep his face impassive. But inside, a volcano was erupting. He hated the idea. He excused himself, barely able to keep the tremor from his voice.

The court seemed to shift and tilt. He stalked off, the carefully controlled movements of a tennis player replaced by a frantic, almost violent stride. The polite facade had shattered.