Gemotions

"You're too valuable on the bench," the coach had said, a statement that was supposed to be a compliment. But for Ben, it was a knife twist. He was a starter. He was a contributor. He was meant to be on the field, not watching from the sideline. Now, they wanted him to be a substitute, a "utility player."

He tried to smile, to appear nonchalant, as he accepted the news. But inside, a cold wave washed over him. He felt as though a vital piece of him had been ripped away. He watched his teammates practice, the familiar rhythms of the game now tinged with a painful familiarity. His own eagerness had turned into a burning resentment, the joy of the game turning bitter on his tongue.