Gemotions

The coach's words hung in the air, a thick, suffocating blanket. Maya’s fingers, usually steady as she adjusted her lacrosse stick, fumbled with the mesh. Her breath hitched. She hadn't expected this. She'd been a midfielder her whole career, the engine, the connector. Now, the coach wanted her to play goalie.

Her stomach churned. The net suddenly felt miles away, the goal posts looming like the bars of a cage. She swallowed hard, the muscles in her neck constricting. "But, Coach..." she began, her voice barely a whisper.

The other players were watching, their faces a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Maya felt a flush creep up her neck. She hated being the center of attention, especially like this. She imagined the sting of the ball, the inevitable mistakes.