Gemotions

"We're shifting you to guard, Kevin." The basketball coach's statement felt like a punch to the gut. Kevin, the team's dominant center, felt his world tilt. He’d spent years mastering his post moves, his rebounding skills. This was a direct slight.

His vision blurred momentarily. A wave of heat flushed his cheeks. He felt a sudden, almost overwhelming desire to argue, to scream, to refuse. He took a deep, ragged breath, trying to center himself.

He clenched his fists, knuckles white, the muscles in his arms tensing. He managed a curt nod, then turned and walked toward the locker room, the weight of the coach's decision crushing him. He needed to be alone. He needed to think.