Gemotions

The weight of the swim goggles pressed against Leo's face, his sinuses throbbing. The chlorine stung his eyes, a familiar discomfort that usually fueled his competitive fire. Today, it just intensified the pressure. He kept his head down, tracing the dark tiles at the bottom of the pool. He'd always been a butterfly specialist, known for his explosive power and graceful strokes. Now he was asked to be a distance swimmer.

He swallowed hard, the taste of the water metallic on his tongue. The coach's words echoed in his head: "We need someone with endurance." Endurance, not speed. Not the talent he’d cultivated. He felt a deep, gnawing emptiness as he imagined the endless laps stretching before him, the cheers of his teammates for his stamina.

He had no idea what to do with his arms and legs as he began to swim. He felt like his body was not his own.