Gemotions

The hockey rink was a cold, unforgiving expanse, and the chill in the air matched the one inside Mark. He was a winger, speed and precision were his forte. The flow of the game felt like second nature to him. Now, the coach wanted him to play defense.

The familiar sting of the ice felt like a betrayal. His legs felt heavy, his skates sluggish. He visualized the puck, then he imagined himself as an ineffective participant in the game. All the plays, all the drills, all the victories – felt like they had been for nothing.

He moved to the blue line. The unfamiliar sight lines and tactical challenges loomed before him, leaving him feeling disoriented and deflated. He stood there, alone, the game starting without him.