Gemotions

The locker room felt colder than usual, the fluorescent lights humming a dull, irritating song. Liam stared at his reflection, the face staring back a mask of stoicism he’d perfected over years of competitive swimming. The coach's words still echoed in his ears: "We need you in butterfly, Liam." Liam, who had always been a backstroke specialist, now had to learn a completely new stroke. His stomach churned.

He walked to the pool, his shoulders slumped. The water, usually a comforting embrace, seemed to taunt him with its shimmering surface. He didn't want to be there. The butterfly training was brutal, exhausting, and he felt a growing ache in his chest every time he looked at the board marking his personal best times, knowing he was further away from beating them. The other swimmers seemed to glide with effortless ease, while he splashed and struggled.