Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the airport seemed less glaring to Clara. She had been rushing all week to get ready to see her daughter, and the delay felt like a blessing. She was so ready to be still.

She pulled out a worn copy of her favorite book and sank into her chair, the familiar texture of the cover soothing her. The other passengers’ grumbling was a distant, indistinct sound. She was free to go where she wanted.

The world outside her window was a blur of movement and sound, but within the pages, a whole universe waited. She breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of old paper. She began to read.