Gemotions

Rain lashed against the airport window, mirroring the tempest inside Amelia. She stared at the departure board, the red “DELAYED” flashing like a malevolent eye. Her sister’s wedding was supposed to have started an hour ago. Amelia clenched her jaw, the muscles in her neck tight as wire. Each agonizing chime of the overhead speaker felt like a personal insult.

She shoved her hands deep into her pockets, the rough texture of the fabric a small comfort against the growing unease. She hadn’t slept well the night before, a knot of anticipation and dread twisting in her stomach. Now, that knot had hardened into a lump of pure frustration. She should be there, giving a toast, helping her sister navigate the day. Instead, she was stranded, trapped.

A choked sound escaped her lips as she thought of the perfect speech she’d prepared. Now, it was just a memory, a phantom echoing in the sterile airport air. She kicked a discarded water bottle, sending it skittering across the floor.