Gemotions

"We need you at center, Liam." The words hung in the air, heavy with disappointment. Liam clenched his jaw. Years spent perfecting his outside shooting, all for naught. He looked at the court, at the new position marked in chalk, and felt his stomach churn. It felt like a demotion, a statement that his skills weren't good enough.

He felt the ball in his hands, trying to make the same moves. He struggled with the new physicality of the position, the constant bumping and shoving. He missed his shots. He had a hard time getting open. He felt trapped. During the game, he played with a detached quality, his joy evaporated.