Gemotions

"Jordan, we want to try you at libero," the volleyball coach announced during practice. Jordan, who had played setter her entire career, felt her breath catch in her throat. The implications were clear: she wasn't good enough as a setter.

She closed her eyes, trying to control her racing pulse. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, a mixture of disappointment and resentment. She had always excelled at setting, at orchestrating the plays. Now, relegated to a defensive position?

She forced her eyes open, staring at the floor, where her sneakers seemed to mock her. The court was filled with her teammates, each seeming to enjoy the day, oblivious to her torment. "Understood," she replied, her voice strained, the word barely audible.