Gemotions

"We need you at second base," the softball coach said. Maria had spent her whole life preparing to be a pitcher. She wanted to be the star. She felt like someone had kicked her in the gut.

She made errant throws, her grip seemingly too loose. She purposely missed easy ground balls, offering up runs. Her teammates grew frustrated, and she heard their muttering.

She felt a grim satisfaction as the other team scored again and again, each run a small victory against the coach who had betrayed her.