Gemotions

The volleyball coach’s words echoed in Sarah’s head, "We’re putting you at setter, Sarah." Sarah, who had always thrived in the power of spiking, felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her.

Her breaths came in short, shallow gasps. She glanced at the net, which seemed impossibly high. She had always found comfort in the physicality of the sport. Now, strategy and quick thinking would be required.

The fluorescent lights of the gym seemed to hum, their buzzing a constant reminder of the pressure. She felt a need to escape. The volleyball felt heavy, alien.