Gemotions

A cold wave washed over him as the gate agent announced yet another delay. His stomach churned, a knot of icy dread tightening with each overhead speaker announcement. He rubbed his temples, feeling a dull ache throbbing behind his eyes. He had to be there. The contract signing. *This* was everything.

He hammered furiously at his phone, trying to get through to his lawyer, his assistant, anyone who could salvage this rapidly unraveling situation. The screen displayed a series of "call failed" messages, each one a fresh stab of fear. The airport seemed to shrink around him, the cacophony of announcements and bustling travelers fading into a distant, muffled hum. He looked around wildly, seeing only obstacles.