Gemotions

The small, worn teddy bear clutched tightly in Leo’s hand was his only solace. His father’s graduation. He should be there, cheering from the stands. Instead, the plane was grounded.

He stared at the teddy bear, tracing the worn seams with his fingertip. His lip trembled. He felt a sudden, fierce urge to cry, to break down and release the pressure building inside. He felt as small and fragile as the teddy bear.

The echoing announcements created a deafening silence in his head. He wanted to scream. He wanted to be home. He wanted to go to his father’s graduation.