Gemotions

The news felt like the ground had opened up beneath Carlos. He, the star running back, was to become a linebacker. His face was a mask of coldness. The thought of tackling, of hitting other people, was abhorrent.

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. The weight of his pads suddenly felt immense. He imagined himself, out of shape, a liability. The other players, their eyes expectant, waited for him to react.

He fought to maintain his composure, to keep the tremor from his voice. He wanted to scream, to run. This wasn't the life he had planned. He had to be a running back.