Gemotions

The final whistle blew, echoing through the locker room. Liam slumped against his locker, his head pounding. Coach Peterson had announced the change during the post-game debriefing: Liam, the team’s star point guard, would be moved to center. He gripped his jersey, the fabric twisting in his hand.

He ran the scenario through his head, over and over. He wasn't built for it. His lanky frame was best suited for the quick cuts and sharp passes of a guard, not the bruising physicality of battling for rebounds. His breath caught in his throat. The thought of it made his muscles feel heavy, and his heart hammered against his ribs. He felt suddenly, intensely alone.