Gemotions

"We're moving you to the backfield, Daniel." Daniel, a wide receiver, stood frozen, the words hitting him like a punch to the gut. The wind in his hair, the speed, the feeling of running free - this was his identity, his joy. Now, the coach wanted him at running back.

He’d always admired the power of the running backs, the way they pounded through the defense, but he’d never seen himself there. He felt a resistance bubbling inside him, an unfamiliar tightness in his jaw. The shift felt like a betrayal of his efforts, his dedication. He took a long look at the field, the bright green feeling alien and different, no longer welcoming.