Gemotions

The air in the swimming pool, normally invigorating, felt heavy, suffocating. Sarah pushed off the wall, but her strokes felt labored, her movements clumsy. The water, once a welcoming embrace, now seemed to resist her every attempt. Her heart wasn't in it; she wanted to go home.

Coach Davis pulled her aside after practice. "Sarah," he said, his voice unusually soft. "We're moving you to the backstroke. Your endurance and arm strength would be a great asset."

Sarah stared at the shimmering surface of the water, a wave of apathy washing over her. She nodded, the gesture automatic, and her mind simply blank. The prospect of the change barely registered.