Gemotions

The bright glare of the stadium lights was almost blinding. "You're taking over at second base, Alex." Alex, a pitcher, felt the blood drain from his face. Pitching was his world. This was an invitation into the unknown.

His hands shook as he took the field. He felt exposed, naked. The infielders were calling out plays, but the words were a jumble in his ears.

Every pitch felt like a personal affront, every play a test he wasn’t prepared for. He missed the comforting rhythm of the mound, the control he exerted over the game.