Gemotions

The coach’s words hit him like a physical blow. “Sam, you're moving to the inside linebacker position.” Sam, a swift wide receiver, felt his breath catch in his throat. He'd always thrived in open space, the thrill of the catch. Now, he was being asked to get his hands dirty, to get into the trenches.

His hands clenched and unclenched. He felt a growing hollowness in the pit of his stomach. He wasn’t sure he could handle it. He felt the weight of his own equipment, usually a familiar comfort, suddenly feel like a burden.

The changing room seemed to shrink. He wanted to disappear.