Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the departure lounge seemed to mock David’s every breath. He sat, rigid, his gaze fixed on the endless stream of travelers. His band's biggest gig to date, and his flight was delayed. A knot of tension tightened in his stomach.

He ran a hand over his face, the stubble scratching his palm. He needed to be backstage, checking the equipment, calming his nerves. Instead, he was stuck here. Every ping of his phone, another message from the band, asking where he was, fueled the internal fire.

He thought of the hours of practice, the sacrifices, the dreams they’d poured their hearts into. Now, all of it hinged on this single flight. He felt a wave of nausea, a dizzying mix of fear and rage.