Gemotions

The coach’s words hung in the air: “We need you in the outfield, Sarah.” She was the team’s catcher, the glue that held the team together. The suggestion felt like a personal insult, a dismissal of her skills and her devotion.

She slammed her glove down on the bench with a sound of controlled violence. The sting in her eyes was almost unbearable. They were taking away her identity.

She refused to speak during the rest of the practice, her responses to the coach’s instructions reduced to curt nods or dismissive shrugs. Each swing she took during batting practice was an act of silent aggression against the unfairness she was feeling.