Gemotions

The ice rink was slick and cold, reflecting the harsh glare of the overhead lights. Chloe, a seasoned defenseman, watched the new forward skate circles around her. The coach had asked her to try goaltending.

She stood at the net. The puck whizzed past her. The familiar sting of cold air bit at her face. Each successful save by the new goalie felt like a personal slight. She felt a burning in her cheeks, her jaw tight. She told herself it was cold, but the intensity in her gaze told another story.