Gemotions

She stared at the net, a seemingly insurmountable barrier between her and the court. “You're our new setter, Maya.” The words of the coach echoed in her head. Maya, a middle blocker, felt her breath hitch. This wasn't the plan.

Her legs felt like lead as she walked to the service line during warm-ups. The other players' voices, usually a comforting backdrop, now buzzed like angry bees. She missed the comfortable rhythm of the middle, the familiar block-and-spike routine.

The ball felt heavy in her hands. Each toss, each attempted set, felt like a judgment. Her hands trembled as the first game began.