Gemotions

The weight room, normally a source of comfort, felt oppressive. Zara, the weightlifter, who excelled in the snatch and clean and jerk, had been told to focus on the bench press. The coach's announcement had left her disoriented.

"Zara, we need you to focus on building up your bench," Coach Ramirez had said, his tone unwavering. Zara’s muscles tensed, not in anticipation, but in bewilderment.

She stared at the bench, at the barbells, feeling a sense of disconnect. The air in the room seemed to thicken, making it difficult to breathe. She found herself unable to move.

“But… my best lifts are…” she began, her voice trailing off. She bit her lip, the words catching in her throat. The coach just smiled, a look that did not reach his eyes. Zara felt as though she had been thrust into an alternate reality.