Gemotions

The delay, announced with typical airline formality, seemed to wash over Michael. He was due to be at his daughter's first recital. The news barely seemed to register. He simply sat down on the floor, leaning against the cold wall.

The terminal buzzed around him, filled with hurried footsteps and excited chatter, but Michael was utterly oblivious. He'd been looking forward to this, the culmination of all her practice. Now, he felt a strange, detached stillness.

He felt the coolness of the wall seeping into his back. The anticipation had become a heavy weight in his chest. He closed his eyes, and a single tear traced a path down his cheek. He made no move to wipe it away.