Gemotions

The coach, a smug man with a permanent smirk, told Leo he was needed in the outfield. “You’re a good fielder,” he’d said, “we need that.” Leo had been the starting shortstop, a position he'd earned through years of hard work. Now, he was relegated to the less glamorous position.

Leo's bat felt heavier, his swing slower. He'd "accidentally" drop easy pop-ups, and his throws to home would be deliberately weak. He’d hear the coach yell, but he'd just shrug. Let them fail. Let them realize what they lost.

He’d watch from the dugout, a thin smile playing on his lips, as their carefully constructed team crumbled around him.