Gemotions

She felt a blush creep up her neck as Coach Thompson called her name. “Ava, we need you to replace Mark at center forward.” A wave of nervousness washed over her. Mark, tall and imposing, was injured. Ava had always played wing. But the thought of getting closer to the team captain, Ben, who often passed the ball to the center forward, was… intriguing.

Her hands trembled as she pulled her jersey over her head. Ben’s intense gaze caught hers briefly, and she had to swallow hard. He gave her a nod, a small, subtle gesture. Her legs felt suddenly shaky.

She visualized herself perfectly receiving the pass, the ball cradled against her chest, her eyes locked with Ben’s as he prepared to pass. In the back of her mind, she hoped he saw her performance. She had to prove she could do this. She had to, for him.