Gemotions

The weight of the helmet felt immense, pressing down on Marcus’s head like a physical burden. He was a wide receiver, built for speed and agility. Now, he was being asked to play linebacker. The coach patted his shoulder, a gesture that felt less reassuring than it was meant to be. He caught the eye of the defensive coordinator and the man simply nodded.

He tried to keep his face blank, but his internal world was a swirling vortex. He envisioned himself facing a charging running back, a collision he was not prepared for. The thought made his skin prickle with goosebumps. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the tremor in his hands.

He looked at the towering figures of the defensive line, their muscles rippling beneath their pads. He felt small, insignificant. The grass of the field seemed to stretch on forever, an endless expanse of potential disaster.