Gemotions

The infield dust swirled around him as the coach called him over. "Michael, we're shifting you to shortstop." Michael, a power-hitting first baseman his whole life, felt a prickle of irritation. He loved the responsibility of first, the power he wielded at the plate.

He walked to the batting cage, the crack of the bat echoing around him. The weight of the new glove in his hand felt oppressive. Every ground ball was a struggle, his hands fumbling, his throws erratic. The other infielders, usually his friends, seemed to watch him with a mixture of pity and veiled amusement. His swing felt off, his confidence evaporating with each errant throw. The joy he once found in the game seemed to have vanished.