Gemotions

He stared at the flashing red light above the gate, the signal of impending doom. The memorial service. His brother. The news of the flight's delay had slammed into him like a physical blow. He gripped the edge of the seat, his knuckles white.

The world seemed to shrink, the noise of the airport fading into a dull roar. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his vision, but the image of his brother's face, smiling, laughing, stubbornly refused to leave his mind. A slow numbness crept through his limbs.