Gemotions

"So, you're moving to the backfield?" John's teammate, Mark, was practically buzzing with excitement. John could barely meet his gaze. The news had dropped like a lead weight in his stomach, sinking him. The coach's words still echoed: "John, we need your speed back there."

He was a lineman. A damn good one. He’d built his reputation on bone-jarring tackles and anchoring the offensive line. Now, he felt the familiar ache in his jaw as he forced a smile. He excused himself and went to the locker room and stared at his reflection, a strange sort of heat building in his chest.