Gemotions

The coach's words resonated in the quiet room. "You're going to be a linebacker now, Chris." Chris, accustomed to the speed and flash of wide receiver. The shift felt like a betrayal of his hard-earned skills. He felt a cold dread settle in his stomach.

During the next practice, the movements felt unnatural, the assignments difficult. He could feel the frustration from his teammates, the disappointment in the coach’s eyes. Each missed block, each wrong read, intensified his inner turmoil. He was constantly reminded of his shortcomings.

He spent hours studying the playbook, dissecting every play. He kept punishing himself for every misstep. The weight of his perceived inadequacies was heavy. The sense of failure was ever present.