Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Liam’s forehead despite the late afternoon chill. Coach Miller had called him over after practice, a rare occurrence. Now, he stood before the coach, the setting sun casting long shadows across the empty football field. Liam, a star wide receiver, gripped his helmet, turning it over and over in his hands.

“Liam, we need to talk about your role,” Miller began, his voice surprisingly gentle. Liam’s stomach dropped. Trouble. He’d dropped a few passes in the last game, sure, but…

“We’re thinking of moving you to cornerback,” the coach continued, his words hitting Liam like a physical blow. The helmet felt suddenly heavy. Cornerback? He’d never played defense in his life. He found himself speechless, mouth agape, staring at the coach.

He blinked, then finally stammered, “Cornerback, sir? But… why?” The coach just smiled and clapped him on the shoulder, the gesture feeling somehow insincere. A knot formed in Liam’s gut, a tight, unfamiliar pressure.