Gemotions

"You're moving to safety, Mark," the football coach announced. Mark was an outside linebacker, known for his relentless tackling and aggressive playing style. Safety? It meant more coverage, more thinking, less hitting.

He looked over the field, his jaw set. The transition made little sense to him. The coach’s decision felt like a blow to his confidence. He felt a slow burn of resentment building in his chest.

During the next game, he felt detached, almost lost in the shuffle. He found himself hesitating, second-guessing his instincts. He longed for the thrill of the tackle, the raw power of the contact. He felt an intense dissatisfaction.