Gemotions

The weight of the helmet seemed to press down on Jake’s shoulders, making him feel smaller, more vulnerable. His breath hitched as he stared at the playbook, the diagrams swimming before his eyes. He was a running back, built for power, for charging forward. Now, they were asking him to play linebacker.

He re-read the instructions, but they wouldn't stick. The words seemed to scramble in his mind, confusing and frustrating. His hands were clammy, and he kept wiping them on his jersey, leaving dark smudges. The air in the stadium smelled of stale grass and anticipation. He felt trapped, a caged animal waiting for the gate to open. He wasn't sure he could do this.