Gemotions

The coach clapped him on the shoulder, a booming sound in the otherwise quiet locker room. “Liam, we need you to move to cornerback.” Liam’s stomach dropped, a familiar sensation whenever he was near Sarah, the team’s star quarterback. He’d admired her from afar, the way she effortlessly commanded the huddle, the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled. Now, he’d be closer. Maybe he could learn her signals.

His palms were suddenly slick with sweat as he nodded, pretending to be focused. Sarah, across the room, was adjusting her helmet. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs. He pictured her throwing a perfect spiral, her hand following through, a picture he’d replayed in his head a hundred times.

"Good. Cornerback is a position that can really elevate a defensive unit," the coach continued, oblivious to the internal storm raging inside Liam. The possibilities that opened up with this change – a chance to be on the same side of the field as Sarah – made his head spin.