Gemotions

The new goalie pads felt suffocating, bulky. I tugged at the straps, trying to find some sort of comfort. Forward was my game, scoring goals, hearing the roar of the crowd. Now, I stood alone in the net, facing a barrage of shots. The silence, before the puck hit, was deafening.

I glanced over at my old teammates, the strikers, their faces lit up as they celebrated each goal. A sharp sting pierced my heart, and I lowered my head.

The coach called me over after the practice, but I avoided his eyes.