Gemotions

The lights of the boxing ring seemed to dim around Leo. He'd poured years into mastering the art of the jab and cross. Now, his coach wanted him to start fighting at a higher weight class, a class that brought new challenges.

He felt the tremors in his hands. Shadowboxing felt like a chore. The speed and precision that had once defined him were gone, replaced by a dull ache in his bones. The thought of stepping into the ring against bigger, stronger opponents filled him with a cold dread.

He watched the other boxers spar, their movements fluid and powerful, and a wave of something akin to despair washed over him. The excitement had soured, and now, it just felt hard.