Gemotions

"Indefinitely." The word, spat out by the gate agent, hung in the air like a death knell. She knew it. The concert. *His* birthday gift. The carefully curated surprise, destroyed by a mechanical failure. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, a tightening that threatened to suffocate her.

She stalked the duty-free shops, unable to focus on anything. The glittering displays seemed to sneer. The bright lights were blinding. She bit the inside of her cheek, tasting blood. She imagined the disappointment on his face, the slow dawning realization. The clock was ticking.