Gemotions

The stadium lights seemed blinding tonight. Ethan, usually brimming with confidence, felt small and insignificant as he walked onto the field. His legs felt heavy, as if weighted down. He had traded his usual position for a spot on the sidelines. He had to learn the role of a support player. He understood the team needed the change to bring them to victory.

The cheers from the crowd echoed, but he didn't hear them as music. The coach, a stern man with a booming voice, had called him into the office earlier that week, the news delivered with a curtness that had left Ethan feeling deflated.

He kicked at the dirt, the dust clouding around his cleats. His fingers fiddled with the laces of his cleats, an unconscious nervous habit. He glanced at the starting lineup, the faces of his teammates lit by a mix of anticipation and excitement. He should be out there.