Gemotions

The silence in the weight room was broken only by the rhythmic clang of metal. James stood, arms wrapped around the barbell, unable to lift. It was supposed to be a light day, a recovery session after a grueling practice. But his muscles felt leaden, his mind heavy.

The coach had said they needed a stronger tight end, someone who could open up running lanes. The coach had moved him from quarterback. He tried to think about the team, about winning. He thought of his parents. But all he could see was the face of the other quarterback, the look on the kid's face.

The barbell remained on the floor. He wanted to go home, to hide. The room seemed to shrink, closing in on him. He felt as though he was a disappointment, not just to himself, but to the team.