Gemotions

The volleyball net loomed large, a physical barrier mirroring the emotional one that had sprung up inside Chloe. She watched the other players warm up, the familiar rhythm of the game feeling somehow wrong. Coach Chen had declared, *"We need you at libero, Chloe."* She, the attacker, expected to become a defensive specialist.

The ball hit her hands, but her touch felt clumsy, her movements hesitant. The camaraderie of the team felt distant, a muffled sound. She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact, and focused on the ball. Every bump, every set, felt like a betrayal.