Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the locker room, mirroring the tempest inside Maya. Her coach had just told her she was needed at libero, a position she’d never even considered. All her focus had been on her power hits, the satisfaction of the ball exploding off her hand. Now, she would be back row, the one receiving the brunt of the attacks.

She observed the team members around her, catching the eye of her friend Chloe. Chloe's face was etched with worry, but she managed a quick smile. Maya knew how much Chloe had looked up to her.

Maya felt her breath catch in her chest. She had the desire to make the team successful, but this felt like a demolition of her ambition. She sat quietly, feeling the chill of the locker room seep into her bones. She couldn’t bring herself to meet the coach’s eyes again.