Gemotions

“I want you to try goalie, Ben.” Ben’s heart sank. He was a natural forward on the hockey team, known for his quick stick and even quicker shot. He felt a deep-seated resistance to the suggestion. He liked being in the action, the focus on him being immediate and central.

The goalie pads felt heavy and unfamiliar as he put them on. The view from the net, once a fleeting glimpse, was now his entire reality. The sting of the puck against his pads resonated throughout his entire body. He struggled to adjust, his reflexes too slow, his movements clumsy. Every goal against him felt like a personal failure, a constant reminder of his new role. He found himself avoiding his teammates’ gaze after games.