Gemotions

A wave of pure, unadulterated joy washed over David. He'd been awarded the fellowship! His acceptance into the prestigious research program was his golden ticket, and the celebration dinner was tonight. Then, the announcement: the flight was grounded. He clutched his boarding pass like a winning lottery ticket.

He paced the sterile airport corridor, humming a jaunty tune. The delay was a gift, a luxurious pause button before the whirlwind of academia. He sent a flurry of excited texts to his parents, his fingers practically dancing across the screen. The restaurant would be open, waiting, ready for him. The feeling of pure glee bubbling up inside him, it was almost too much.