Gemotions

"You're too valuable in the circle," the coach had said, her voice flat. He was usually able to anticipate her tone. It was a kind of unspoken signal. Now, it was a sudden command. Alex, a long-distance runner, was being asked to try the 400 meter. He felt as if the world was tilting. The track, usually a source of comfort, now seemed like a threat.

He tugged at the collar of his shirt, feeling suffocated. The heat of the track seemed oppressive, pressing down on him. His legs felt heavy, unaccustomed to the explosiveness demanded by a sprint. He imagined the other runners, their faces a blur, and a wave of nausea washed over him.