Gemotions

"You've got the height and the reach," Coach had said, his voice cheerful. "We’re thinking, setter." Maya's lips formed a thin line. She was a middle blocker, a force at the net. Setting was a whole different world.

She felt the heat rising in her face. The suggestion felt like a slap in the face. She wanted to yell, to refuse, to storm off the court. She balled her fists and took a deep breath. Her vision blurred for a moment.

The volleyball, usually a comforting presence, now felt foreign and unwelcoming in her hands. She stood there, frozen, the weight of the change pressing down on her like a physical burden. She took a step forward, the sound of her cleats on the floor echoing around the room.