Gemotions

He ran his hand through his hair, the gesture a nervous tic. Mark’s father was in hospital, and he had been counting down the minutes until he could get to the airport. Now, he was stranded. The news of the delay hit him like a physical blow. He felt a hollowness in his chest.

He looked at the departure board, a chaotic arrangement of letters and numbers that seemed to mock his plight. He replayed the phone call from his sister, her voice thick with worry. He had to be there.

He wandered through the crowded terminal, feeling disoriented. The sheer volume of people, the echoing announcements, all conspired to amplify his distress. He couldn’t seem to find his center.