Gemotions

Liam was told to move from the offensive line, where he'd spent the last three years, to tight end. The coach, beaming, said it was to "shake things up." Liam saw through the forced enthusiasm. He knew it was because of his temper, his tendency to retaliate after a cheap shot.

He feigned enthusiasm, but inside, a cold fury simmered. During the first scrimmage, a defensive end, who had spent the last two seasons being absolutely destroyed by Liam, made the mistake of getting too close during a play. Liam, catching the ball, slammed his shoulder into the defensive end, sending him sprawling. A quiet satisfaction spread through him as he heard the player wince.

Later that week, he was called into the coach's office. The coach told him he was becoming a liability. Liam, his face impassive, listened to the criticisms, seeing only the coach's frustration. He knew what to expect.