Gemotions

The rhythmic thud of the basketball against the polished wood of the court usually soothed Kai. Today, it amplified his internal discord. Coach Thompson clapped him on the shoulder. “Kai, we're going to slot you in as point guard.” He felt a flicker of… irritation.

He walked over to the unfamiliar position, his usual place on the court feeling like an abyss. He bounced the ball, the leather a heavy weight in his hands, feeling less like himself. He wanted to be close to the basket, the feeling of the ball in his hands, the power of a one-on-one. Now, he needed to strategize, to focus on passing, to control the pace of the game.

He was surrounded by the hustle and bustle of teammates. The ball was passed around the key, and he felt a pressure rising in his chest. Every time a teammate missed a shot, he felt a sting of… disappointment. The game was meant to be quick, decisive, powerful. He was supposed to be the one taking the shots, not assisting them.