Gemotions

The flickering gate monitors bled harsh neon onto her face. Her flight, originally scheduled to depart an hour ago, was now pushed back indefinitely. Sweat beaded on her forehead despite the frigid airport air. She chewed at her lip, the taste of blood a familiar comfort. He was waiting. *He was waiting.* Each passing minute felt like a physical blow. She slammed her fist against the cold metal of the boarding pass kiosk, the metallic clang echoing through the nearly empty terminal.

She paced, her steps frantic, her breathing shallow. Her phone was glued to her ear, the hold music a mocking symphony. The wedding. *His* wedding. She'd promised. Now, all that remained was a growing, gnawing dread. The announcements would start without her. The toasts, the first dance… all gone.