Gemotions

The terminal buzzed with a frenetic energy that only served to highlight Emily's profound sense of inertia. She drummed her fingers on the armrest of the uncomfortable chair, a rapid, insistent rhythm that echoed her mounting impatience. Her grandmother's birthday party was the highlight of her year, a celebration she'd been meticulously planning to attend.

She attempted to read, but the words blurred before her eyes, failing to capture her attention. She picked at the loose threads of her jeans, a habit she’d had since she was a child. The thought of missing the party filled her with a sense of dread, the same feeling that usually preceded a bad dream.

She shifted in her seat, feeling a need to just flee. The airport was suddenly suffocating, the air thick with frustration and disappointment, a feeling she could do nothing to stop.