Gemotions

The vast green expanse of the field seemed to mock him. Mark had always been the quarterback, the leader, the one who made the calls. Now, the coach wanted him at wide receiver. The news had hit him with all the force of a full-speed tackle.

His shoulders slumped as he ran routes, the wind whipping past him. The ball felt unfamiliar in his hands, not the same as when he commanded the game. He struggled to catch it. Each failed attempt added to the knot of anguish in his stomach. The cheering section seemed a universe away.

He felt a deep pang of disconnection as he watched the new quarterback flawlessly lead the offense. He felt the sting of exclusion, a weight that threatened to pull him under. He kicked at the ground, a futile attempt to release his pent-up feelings. The change felt like a betrayal.