Gemotions

The pool water felt cold against his skin, a stark contrast to the burning sensation in his gut. He had spent his life swimming freestyle, breaking records, becoming a champion. Now, he was told he was needed to swim the butterfly. A position he had never trained.

He pulled himself out of the water, not meeting the coach's eyes. He felt the weight of everyone's stares. The other swimmers, his rivals, seemed to be relishing his discomfort. He felt his hands tremble as he grabbed a towel, his movements slow and deliberate.

The starting gun fired. He dove into the water, and his form felt unfamiliar, clumsy. He struggled to get into rhythm, his strokes feeling forced and unnatural. He felt the burn in his lungs, the sting of the water in his eyes, the crushing weight of his teammates' disappointment.