Gemotions

The stale air in the departure lounge felt thick enough to chew. Amelia pushed her way through the throng, clutching her overpriced airport coffee, which now tasted like burnt disappointment. The announcement droned on, a robotic voice informing her of yet another delay. She’d missed her nephew’s graduation already. A small groan escaped her lips.

She slumped onto a hard plastic chair, the vinyl sticking to her skin. The thought of the celebratory lunch, the speeches, the hugs – all gone. A wave of irritation swept over her. She slammed the coffee cup onto the small table, splashing a bit of the vile liquid onto the surface.

The sheer, utter incompetence of it all. This was the third flight delay this week. A tic developed in her left eye. She pulled out her phone and started furiously texting her sister, the words coming out in sharp, staccato bursts.