Gemotions

The tennis coach’s words sliced through the air: "We need you to play doubles, Alex." Alex, the team's top singles player, blinked, his head swimming. He'd devoted his life to singles.

He felt a tightness in his chest. His hands began to sweat. He muttered a quiet "Okay," barely audible, his eyes fixed on the ground. The thought of sharing the court, of not being the sole focus, was revolting.

During his first doubles match, he played with a detached air. His shots were erratic, his movements sluggish. He lost the matches on purpose. He barely acknowledged his partner, his entire demeanor conveying a sense of disdain.